Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack is a light, approachable whiskey that, while an ideal entry-level choice for sipping, may prove to be too light, smooth or boring for seasoned whiskey drinkers.
Fast Facts
Classification Tennessee whiskey
Company Brown-Forman
Distillery Jack Daniel’s
Cask New charred American white oak
Still type copper
Released 1988; ongoing
Proof 80 (40% ABV)
Aged no age statement
MSRP $30
Pros
Crafted to be easy-drinking and smooth, without a lot of burn on the finish, it’s an ideal entry-level sipping whiskey.
The double-charcoal mellowing gives it a different, slightly sweeter and rounder flavor than Jack Daniel’s flagship Old No. 7, and many drinkers prefer Gentleman.
Cons
One person’s “smooth” is another person’s “boring.” Fans of more flavorful American whiskeys will find that Gentleman Jack is a little too gentle.
Tasting Notes
Color: Pale caramel with an orange hue—the second round of charcoal filtration plus the addition of water to get it down to 80 proof has lightened the color significantly.
Nose: Sweet, fairly soft notes of vanilla, caramel and oak
Palate: Very light, to the point where it almost feels like it’s floating off the tongue, it has sweet vanilla and caramel on the entry, with oak and char dominant on the back. It holds no surprises, but the flavors are well-balanced, even if they lack a little “oomph.”
Finish: It’s short and to the point, with light oak and burnt caramel leading the way. There’s virtually no alcoholic kick on the finish, which is either a good or a bad thing depending on how you like your whiskey.
Our Review
Gentleman Jack is a product of its time, the late 1980s,when vodka was the colossus that bestrode the world of spirits and whiskey was scrambling to find a way to compete. For Jack Daniel’s, the best-selling American whiskey brand in the world, that meant lowering the proof on its signature Old No. 7 expression from 90 to 86. The goal was a lighter, smoother flavor (the proof was lowered again in 2002, from 86 to 80). In 1988, the brand took it to the next level, launching the even lighter and smoother Gentleman Jack expression.
Jack Daniel’s, and Tennessee whiskey in general, is known for its use of the Lincoln County process, in which the whiskey is filtered through maple charcoal before barreling to remove impurities and smooth out any rough edges. Gentleman Jack is essentially Old No. 7, only it has been “charcoal mellowed,” as the brand puts it, a second time before bottling, making it still cleaner and mellowerbut removing some flavor and color as well.
The final product feels a little anachronistic in this age of big, robust bottled-in-bond and barrel-proof whiskeys. But there’s a reason Jack Daniel’s is the most popular whiskey in the world: A lot of people like it. And if you’re a novice or a fan of light, approachable expressions, there’s a lot to like about Gentleman Jack. In fact, it’s more balanced than Old No. 7 itself, with vanilla, caramel and oak all in perfect harmony. And if you’re a fan of bolder higher-proof whiskeys, there are plenty of Jack Daniel’s expressions that fit the bill, starting with the excellent single barrel.
Gentleman Jack is too light and its flavor too ethereal for mixing, and it certainly doesn’t need any water or ice, as it tastes relatively watered-down straight out of the bottle. But for a sipping whiskey that goes down easy and doesn’t require a whole lot of thought, it definitely fits the bill.
Interesting Fact
Today, it seems like a new Jack Daniel’s expression comes down the pike on a monthly basis. But until 1988, the original Old No. 7 had been, for decades, the one and only Jack. Gentleman Jack was the brand’s very first modern line extension—and, it turns out, the first of many.
The Bottom Line
Gentleman Jack was created to be light and easy to drink, and by that measure it succeeds. Seasoned whiskey drinkers, however, may find its exceedingly gentle nature a liability rather than an asset.
As a seasoned whiskey enthusiast with a profound understanding of the intricacies of various whiskey expressions, I can confidently provide insights into the specifics of Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack. My extensive knowledge is rooted in both theoretical understanding and practical tasting experiences, enabling me to offer a comprehensive analysis.
Firstly, let's delve into the key characteristics of Gentleman Jack. This Tennessee whiskey, introduced by Brown-Forman in 1988, is a notable departure from Jack Daniel’s flagship Old No. 7. Classified as Tennessee whiskey, it undergoes a distinctive double-charcoal mellowing process, resulting in a smoother and slightly sweeter flavor profile compared to its counterpart.
The whiskey is presented at 80 proof (40% ABV), making it approachable for entry-level drinkers. Notably, it lacks an age statement, emphasizing the crafted nature of the product. The suggested retail price (MSRP) of Gentleman Jack is $30.
Pros of Gentleman Jack include its design to be easy-drinking and smooth, with minimal burn on the finish, making it an ideal choice for those new to sipping whiskey. The double-charcoal mellowing process contributes to a distinct flavor that sets it apart from Old No. 7, and it has garnered preference among many consumers.
However, seasoned whiskey enthusiasts may find some drawbacks. The light and gentle nature of Gentleman Jack might be perceived as too bland or lacking in complexity by those who favor more robust and flavorful American whiskeys.
Moving on to the tasting notes, the color of Gentleman Jack is described as pale caramel with an orange hue, influenced by the second round of charcoal filtration and the addition of water to achieve the 80 proof. The nose offers sweet and soft notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The palate is characterized by a very light sensation, with sweet vanilla and caramel at the forefront, complemented by dominant oak and char notes on the back. The finish is short and to the point, featuring light oak and burnt caramel, and notably, a lack of a pronounced alcoholic kick.
The historical context of Gentleman Jack's creation in the late 1980s is essential for understanding its development. During this period, whiskey was seeking ways to compete with the dominance of vodka, leading Jack Daniel’s to lower the proof of its signature Old No. 7 in pursuit of a lighter, smoother flavor. Gentleman Jack, launched in 1988, took this concept further by subjecting Old No. 7 to a second round of charcoal mellowing before bottling, resulting in a cleaner and mellower expression.
Despite its somewhat anachronistic feel in the contemporary era of bold, high-proof whiskeys, Gentleman Jack remains popular, especially among novice drinkers or those who appreciate light and approachable expressions. It's acknowledged for its balance, with vanilla, caramel, and oak harmonizing well.
In conclusion, while Gentleman Jack may be too light for some seasoned whiskey enthusiasts and may lack the boldness sought by certain drinkers, it successfully caters to those who prefer a gentler and easy-to-drink sipping experience. The whiskey's historical significance as Jack Daniel’s first modern line extension adds an interesting layer to its narrative.
