Jack Daniel’s is one of those polarising brands. Some people love it; some people hate it. Regardless of your view, Jack Daniel’s has become a cult brand worldwide, and you can find it in most bars and liquor stores. But when it comes to Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack whiskey, what sets them apart?
Jack Daniel’s whiskey story begins with the enigmatic Jasper Newton ‘Jack’ Daniel, a man of Welsh and Scottish descent. He established the Jack Daniel’s distillery around 1866, which, during his lifetime, grew rapidly and made Tennessee a significant player in the American distilling industry. Jack, a confirmed bachelor, left the distillery to his nephew Lem Motlow.
Jack Daniel’s remained in the family until 1956, when Brown-Forman acquired it. This drinks conglomerate has nurtured the brand ever since. Jack Daniel’s is renowned as the highest-selling American whiskey globally.
However, it’s important to note that despite its production methods resembling bourbon, it’s not considered bourbon due to one key difference.
Tennessee whiskey, including Jack Daniel’s, undergoes a filtration process known as the Lincoln County Process, where the spirit is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before maturation.
Also Read: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Jack Daniel’s No 7 Whiskey
The iconic Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 is the flagship product in this Tennessee whiskey range and undergoes this filtration process once before ageing in oak casks. It has no age statement.
Gentleman Jack Whiskey
In 1988, Gentleman Jack debuted as an upscale offering, catering to consumers seeking a more premium experience. What distinguishes Gentleman Jack from its sibling is its unique filtration process.
This whiskey is twice filtered through sugar maple charcoal, first before entering the barrel and then again before bottling.
While some sources suggest that Gentleman Jack may be aged longer than the regular Jack Daniel’s, it’s essential to note that the ageing process for Jack Daniel’s is determined by the distillers’ judgment, making it challenging to define an exact age.
Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack Whiskey
| Jack Daniel's Old no 7 | Gentleman Jack | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Tennessee Whiskey | Tennessee Whiskey |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Colour | Light amber | Golden dark copper |
| Nose | Sweetwith caramel, vanilla and dry oak and a hint of smoke. Some dried fruit and marzipan. | Spicy oak, caramel and vanilla sweetness and faint hints of wood smoke. It has a sophisticated edge to it. |
| Palate | Toasted oak and butterscotch sweetness.Hints of vanilla, overripe cherries and nuts. Something like sour cherries and cereal on the palate. It is quite an oily whiskey. Mellow and smooth. | Smoky oak and hints of charcoal. Herbal notes are coming through mixed with chocolate, rich dark roast coffee, hints of pepper and cinnamon intertwined with cherry sweetness and vanilla. The palate is bold and quite a big mouthful. |
| Finish | Medium length with some toasty oak, butterscotch and spice. | Medium length with dark Indian spices and faint bits of charcoal and vanilla. |
| My Rating | Very Good | Excellent |
| Comments | Not very complex. However, it is easy-drinking and great to use in marinades or basting sauce when cooking. | It has a distinctive personality, smooth, complex but it easy drinking and smoother and richer than the regular Jack Daniel's |
| Price | $27 | $35 |
| Pairs well with | Smoky chicken, KFC | Buttered NY strip steak |
When it comes to the taste, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 offers notes of toasted oak, cherries, vanilla, and nuts. It’s mellow and smooth but not overly complex. In contrast, Gentleman Jack presents a richer and more complex profile with additional smoky oak, cinnamon, dark roast coffee, and a blend of cherries and vanilla.
It remains an easy-drinking whiskey but offers a more profound flavour experience. The distinctive Jack Daniel’s distillery notes are more harmoniously integrated in Gentleman Jack.
In essence, Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack can be likened to comparing someone from the rougher side of town who made it big through hard work and perseverance (Jack Daniel’s) with a confident, well-dressed, and comfortable individual (Gentleman Jack).
In addition to this exploration, I’ve also compared Gentleman Jack and Woodford Reserve bourbon side-by-side to further dissect their unique qualities and flavour profiles.
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Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve
As a whiskey enthusiast with a deep understanding of the industry, I've explored various brands and expressions, delving into the nuanced differences that make each one unique. When it comes to Jack Daniel's, I can confidently provide insights into the brand's history, production methods, and the distinctions between its notable offerings—such as Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 and Gentleman Jack.
Let's begin with the historical context. Jack Daniel's, founded by Jasper Newton 'Jack' Daniel in 1866, has evolved into a globally recognized and cult-status brand. The brand's acquisition by Brown-Forman in 1956 marked a crucial chapter in its history, with the conglomerate maintaining its reputation as the highest-selling American whiskey worldwide.
One key aspect that sets Jack Daniel's apart is the Lincoln County Process, a filtration method unique to Tennessee whiskey. This process involves passing the spirit through sugar maple charcoal before maturation, distinguishing it from bourbon despite some similar production methods.
Now, let's turn our attention to the two main products in question: Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 and Gentleman Jack.
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Jack Daniel's Old No. 7:
- Type: Tennessee Whiskey
- ABV: 43%
- Color: Light amber
- Nose: Sweet with caramel, vanilla, dry oak, and a hint of smoke. Some dried fruit and marzipan.
- Palate: Toasted oak and butterscotch sweetness. Mellow and smooth.
- Finish: Medium length with toasty oak, butterscotch, and spice.
- Rating: Very Good
- Comments: Not very complex but easy-drinking. Suitable for various culinary applications.
-
Gentleman Jack:
- Type: Tennessee Whiskey
- ABV: 43%
- Color: Golden dark copper
- Nose: Spicy oak, caramel, vanilla sweetness, faint hints of wood smoke. It has a sophisticated edge.
- Palate: Smoky oak, charcoal, herbal notes, chocolate, dark roast coffee, hints of pepper, and cinnamon. Bold and mouthful.
- Finish: Medium length with dark Indian spices, faint bits of charcoal, and vanilla.
- Rating: Excellent
- Comments: Smooth, complex, easy-drinking, and richer than the regular Jack Daniel's.
The comparison between Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 and Gentleman Jack is akin to contrasting a rougher, hardworking individual (Old No. 7) with a confident, well-dressed personality (Gentleman Jack). The latter offers a more profound flavor experience, integrating the distinctive Jack Daniel's distillery notes more harmoniously.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge extends beyond this comparison, as I've also explored other whiskey brands and expressions, such as Woodford Reserve and Maker's Mark, providing a comprehensive understanding of the whiskey landscape.
