Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye Review

It’s been a long, steady run for rye whiskey to approach the same level of maturity (and marketability) at Jack Daniel’s, the U.S.’s largest overall whiskey producer. It’s been more than a decade now since the initial release of the brand’s Unaged Rye, which marked their first toe dipped into the rye market after previously being only a Tennessee whiskey producer. That first batch was followed by Rested Rye in 2014, the first Single Barrel Rye in 2016, and Tennessee Rye in 2017. The rye then hit its fiery apex as Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye in 2020, but that release was only a limited run. Now, it’s here to stay, as Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye–the double “barrel” does bother us as grammar geeks, but we can’t change that–has just become a permanent line extension for the brand. So clearly, this was the time to taste it once again in its current iteration.

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye is made from the company’s sole rye whiskey mash bill of 70% rye, 18% corn and 12% malted barley, which undergoes the same Lincoln County Process of charcoal mellowing as the rest of JD’s products before it enters newly charred white oak barrels. The company notes that “only specially selected barrels aged at the highest reaches of barrelhouses and producing whiskey with deeper colors and flavors are selected for the Single Barrel Collection.” They likewise note that the product will show up on store shelves at strengths that will vary pretty considerably, from as low as 125 proof to a monstrous 145 proof. These fiery releases have been increasingly associated with the premium Jack Daniel’s products in the last few years, as the brand has been putting out some of the most potent releases on the market for proof hounds.

As for my press sample, it lands on the stronger side, at 68.65% ABV (137.3 proof). It carries an MSRP of $60, which one has to note is really extremely reasonable on paper, given that one can’t really find a similarly potent, cask-strength rye (though it doesn’t have an official age statement) at this price range. If the flavors can back it up, this could be one of the best rye values on the market, though some retailers will no doubt be gouging for it if the demand is high and they believe there’s money to be made.

So with that said, let’s get to tasting this burly rye whiskey expression.

In the glass, this one certainly doesn’t look young to the naked eye, or hurting for color–it has taken on a deep, orange-tinted auburn and simply looks potent. On the nose, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye proves this assessment correct, with an abundance of rye spice and savory tobacco and herbs, slathered in deeply caramelized sugars. It’s also quite fruity, with syrupy black fruit and dried fruit notes, which over time I’m realizing are suggesting the fruit and spice of dried ancho peppers. There’s also a bit of brighter orange zest, and whiffs of burnt mocha. And I’d be remiss to not be mentioning the stinging alcohol, which certainly makes the proof point no secret. All in all though, it’s quite a nice nose, other than the somewhat aggressive booziness.

On the palate, this is definitely a fiery and commanding rye, with flavors that can feel like they’re close to careening out of control. There’s a rush of intense sweetness–honey, red fruit, berries (strawberry?) and citrus, along with intense pepper and anise. At the same time, the more molasses-like impression imparts some significant bitterness, coupled with big char and drying oak astringency. It manages to be quite sweet and quite dry and bitter all at once, buffeting the palate with flavors in a way that some drinkers may find overwhelming. Ten minutes later, I still feel it smoldering in my chest. In general it’s an over-the-top approach, and adding water may be warranted here. Granted, this is a 137 proof expression, but that does make one wonder just how much crazier the 140s might be! On the other hand, perhaps the expressions in the 120s might display a bit more elegance? It’s hard to say without tasting a few of them side to side.

The takeaway here is that Jack Daniel’s has crafted a barrel proof rye that is all about maximum flavor and bombast, with a take no prisoners attitude. Drinkers who want an all-out taste assault may find it right up their alley, while others will no doubt find it overly loud or unbalanced. Regardless, at its $60 MSRP, it’s at least providing undeniable bang for the buck.

Distillery: Jack Daniel’s (Brown-Forman)
City: Lynchburg, TN
Style: Straight rye whiskey
ABV: 68.65% (137.3 proof)
Availability: 750 ml bottles, $60 MSRP

Jim Vorel is a Paste staff writer and resident beer and liquor geek. You can follow him on Twitter for more drink writing.