The Best Bottles of Jack Daniel's Whiskey for Every Occasion (2024)

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The Lincoln County process distinguishes Tennessee whiskey from all others, including bourbon. If you want a true taste of charcoal mellowing, turn to Old No. 7. Simply called "JD" by loyal fans, Black Label is the iconic Jack Daniel's flagship whiskey seen on liquor shelves around the world. This is the whiskey bottle that almost everyone knows and loves, and it is essential for an authentic Lynchburg lemonade.

Jack Daniel's does not include age statements on this bottle. Instead, the distillery says that the whiskey "is ready only when our tasters say it is." It is bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 80 proof) and offers big vanilla and licorice flavors with a subtle sweetness and pleasant oaky flavor, a distinct taste that's instantly recognizable. It’s a great choice for any whiskey mixed drink or co*cktail, and famously pairs well with Coca-Cola to create the Jack and co*ke, but it's got more versatility than just that. "Many don’t realize just how versatile Old No. 7 can be," says Eric “ET” Tecosky, Jack Daniel’s U.S. Brand Ambassador and Mixology Veteran. "Go ahead and try it in your favorite tiki drink!"

ABV: 40 percent | Age: No age statement (at least 4 years) | Volume: 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml, 1 L, 1.75 L

Gentleman Jack is like Black Label’s more refined big brother. Initially released in 1988, it was the first new expression of whiskey produced by the brand in decades. Priced just a little higher, it’s a worthy upgrade, and this whiskey’s smooth taste can appeal to drinkers who typically don’t enjoy whiskey. In fact, it’s so mellow that many whiskey aficionados find it to be too light.

There are a few aspects of production that distinguish this whiskey from its more famous counterpart. First, the whiskey is sourced from barrels resting on the lower levels of the aging house; a subtle change in environment can affect any whiskey’s taste. It is “double mellowed.” Unlike Black Label, which is slowly dripped through sugar maple charcoal prior to aging, Gentleman Jack takes a second trip through the charcoal once it has left the barrel. This results in an eminently sippable and sophisticated whiskey bottled at a smooth 80 proof. Mix it into any whiskey co*cktail or enjoy it neat or on the rocks; this easy-drinking whiskey is fabulous either way. "If you are looking to try something less traditional," says Tecosky, "how about a whiskey sour with half Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple and half Gentleman Jack?”

ABV: 40 percent | Age: No age statement (at least 5 years) | Volume: 50 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml, 1 L, 1.75 L

Crafted with a 70 percent rye grain bill, Jack Daniel's Rye is technically not a Tennessee whiskey because it doesn't meet the 51 percent ratio of corn required by law. That is why it's labeled "Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey." However, it is a fantastic whiskey that is made in Tennessee and it does use Jack Daniel's charcoal mellowing process. You won't find a rye whiskey like it anywhere else, and it’s one of the more affordable ryes on the market.

As a result of this unique process, this rye is spicy and complex, while still owning the signature Jack Daniel's taste. Slightly stronger than the original whiskey, this rye is bottled at 45 percent ABV (90 proof). It has a bold character that is unforgettable and will stand up in any rye whiskey co*cktail—according to Tecosky, "Jack Daniel's Tennessee Rye has the perfect balance of spice and subtle fruit notes to go great in a Smash or Sazerac." Originally released in the early 2010s, the brand’s rye whiskey was such a success that it continued pursuing the style and now produces single barrel and barrel proof rye whiskeys.

ABV: 45 percent | Age: No age statement (at least 5 years) | Volume: 50 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml

A bottle from Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Collection is the perfect choice for whiskey connoisseurs. While rather diverse today, the lineup of whiskeys started off more modestly with the release of Single Barrel Select 1997. It remains a favorite among those looking for an upgrade from Black Label: hand-selected barrels that are aged on the upper floors of the aging house are used in this special whiskey, and the drastic temperature adds to the whiskey's flavor. You’ll enjoy a robust array of bright fruits, sweet caramel, and a snappy spice that can appeal to bourbon drinkers.

At 94 proof, it has a nice kick that’s best appreciated straight. Chill it out with a splash of ice water or serve it on the rocks to open up the complex flavors of this bold sipping spirit. Of course, like any top-shelf whiskey, it'll also be killer in a co*cktail if you're willing to indulge. "Single Barrel Select is a great choice when looking for a spirit-forward co*cktail like an old fashioned or Boulevardier," says Tecosky.

ABV: 47 percent | Age: No age statement (at least 5 1/2 to 6 years) | Volume: 375 ml, 750 ml

For a taste of whiskey straight out of the barrel, you'll want to seek out Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof. Another popular and regular offering from the Single Barrel Collection, this whiskey is simultaneously intense and smooth, taking the brand's classic malty flavor to a fascinating extreme.

It’s bottled anywhere from 125 to 140 proof, depending on the barrels. It definitely packs quite the punch, and because it’s sourced from different barrels, each batch offers a novel experience. After the first taste—just to see what it's really like—add some ice to mellow it out and release the rich oak, pepper, and vanilla flavors trapped inside this whiskey.

ABV: 62.5–66 percent | Age: No age statement (about 4 to 7 years) | Volume: 375 ml, 750 ml

One of the newest releases in the Jack Daniel's portfolio, the fascinating Triple Mash Blended Straight Whiskey is a departure from a number of old-school company traditions. First and foremost, it's a blend of three different styles of whiskey produced by Jack Daniel's: the Tennessee Rye (clocking in at 60% of the mash bill), the Tennessee Whiskey (20%), and the seldom-seen American Malt, made entirely of malted barley (the final 20%). This results in a bold whiskey featuring notes of dark fruit, marzipan, and toasted oak, leading to a malty finish with high-toned spicy notes.

The Triple Mash is part of Jack Daniel's new "Bonded" series, which debuted in 2022. All three whiskeys contained in the final blend were produced according to the stipulations of the Bottled-in-Bond Act, a century-old law introduced to help guarantee standards of quality in the pre-Prohibition spirits industry. Among the requirements for a whiskey to be labeled "Bottled in Bond" include a minimum aging of four years and an alcohol content of 50 percent (100 proof). With these impressive characteristics, not to mention the extremely unique mash bill, this highly original expression of Jack Daniel's offers whiskey fans real value at its sub-$50 price point.

ABV: 50 percent | Age: No age statement (at least 4 years) | Volume: 700 ml

Apparently, Frank Sinatra was a big Jack Daniel's fan and the bottle labeled Sinatra Select is as smooth as he was. This is not some one-off limited-edition expression that disappears far too quickly (Jack Daniel’s has many of those). Instead, it has become a mainstay in the brand’s portfolio since its 2015 release. As great as the reviews are of this whiskey, it’s definitely in the ultra-premium range of liquors. For those who can afford it, Sinatra Select will not disappoint as a fine sipping whiskey.

Aged in what the distillery calls their "Sinatra Barrels," the staves of the barrels are scored with deep grooves that allow more of the whiskey to touch the oak. That, along with the fact that it's 90 proof, adds a significant new dimension to the whiskey brand's trademark flavor. It's often described as "yummy" because of its butterscotch notes, and you'll enjoy a tender smokiness not found in any other bottle of JD.

ABV: 45 percent | Age: No age statement (about 4 to 5 years) | Volume: 750 ml, 1 L

Jack Daniel's produces a few flavored whiskeys. They’re technically liqueurs because they’re sweetened and flavored, but they are impressive. Tennessee Fire is a great cinnamon option and Tennessee Apple is a delicious apple liqueur. However, Tennessee Honey is a favorite among drinkers and bartenders alike.

The smooth taste of honey liqueur blended with the distillery's signature whiskey results in an amazing drink. It's a fantastic mixer, offering the sweet taste of real honey that can enrich any co*cktail, and it's pretty delicious on its own. Bottled at 70 proof and available at an affordable price, it's a nice addition to any bar.

ABV: 35 percent | Age: No age statement | Volume: 50 ml, 200 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml, 1 L, 1.75 L

Only available for a short time each year in the U.S. and Canada, Winter Jack combines sweetened apple cider and Jack Daniel’s Whiskey to create a tasty cold-weather treat. It’s also called Tennessee Cider and when it makes its annual appearance in October, take the opportunity to pick up a bottle of this inviting spirit.

With a taste like a whiskey-spiked apple pie, Winter Jack is almost too delicious. It’s flavored with “holiday spices,” though the company doesn’t reveal exactly what those are. You will taste cinnamon, clove, and orange, which only get better when gently warmed. Winter Jack is also the lightest of Jack Daniel’s liqueurs, weighing in at a mild 30 proof, so it’s a low-key sipper or mixer. Pour a shot into a hot toddy with warm water, or use it and Tennessee Honey to spike a cup of hot tea.

ABV: 15 percent | Age: No age statement | Volume: 750ml

From whiskey-spiked tea to bottled versions of the brand’s signature Lynchburg lemonade co*cktail, Jack Daniel’s is no stranger to the ready-to-drink (RTD) market. After years of experimentation, its Country co*cktails line of malt beverages has really hit the mark, and one of the tastiest in the lot is Southern Peach.

This charming beverage has just a hint of the whiskey’s taste and focuses instead on the taste of sweet Southern peaches. It’s a perfect flavor pairing, and this drink is nearly as refreshing sweet peach tea. At just 4.8 percent ABV, it’s light and a quick way to enjoy a tasty adult beverage on the go during your summer adventures.

ABV: 4.8 percent | Age: unaged (should skip for this entry) | Volume: 10 oz

It’s no secret that canned co*cktails are a hot commodity, and their appeal goes beyond being just another trendy beverage. They’re convenient and let you skip the mixing while letting you enjoy the taste of a co*cktail. Different from malt beverages, these use real liquor and have a higher alcohol content. In 2020, Jack Daniel’s joined the swarm and released its first canned co*cktails.

Two of these—Whiskey & Cola and Whiskey & Seltzer—taste all right, but lack the fizz and customizability of the original drinks, which are also super easy to make from scratch. The real shining light in this collection is Whiskey, Honey, and Lemonade. It’s like a honey-sweetened whiskey lemonade and has more whiskey flavor than the bottled Lynchburg Lemonade. The taste is so similar to a freshly made co*cktail that it’s worth picking up a four-pack. Enjoy them ice-cold, but remember that these cans are stronger than the average beer, so take it easy or pour a glass and top it with seltzer.

ABV: 7 percent | Volume: 355 ml

Final Verdict

Whether you’re familiar with the brand or looking for your first taste, you cannot go wrong with Jack Daniel’s Black Label. It is the whiskey that gave the distillery its iconic name and all other expressions are based on it. For something different, Gentleman Jack is an excellent choice for those who like a softer whiskey, while the Single Barrel Barrel Proof is ideal for drinkers who want a big, bold Tennessee whiskey.

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