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The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis
Tennessee whiskey is among the most popular whiskies in the world. The style is very specific and only a couple of distilleries in the state of Tennessee produce it. Jack Daniel’s is the best-known brand. Not only does it dominate this tight market, but it also produces some of the best bottles of Tennessee-style whiskey available.
You’re likely familiar with the iconic bottle of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, though the distillery, which is based in Lynchburg, Tennessee, produces several impressive bottles of whiskey that you'll want to pick up and taste for yourself. Jack Daniel’s was among the first to venture into the ready-to-drink cocktail scene when it released Country Cocktails in 1992. Today, those convenient single-serve bottles are joined by a series of canned cocktails, and all are made with the famous whiskey.
"Jack Daniel’s is a friend to many," says Eric “ET” Tecosky, Jack Daniel’s U.S. Brand Ambassador and Mixology Veteran. "It’s no surprise how well it works in cocktails with ingredients like fresh lemon, peach, and, of course, Coca-Cola." Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or someone who prefers other spirits and enjoys the occasional whiskey sipper from time to time, there’s a bottle of Jack Daniel’s that’s sure to satisfy.
Let’s explore some of the best options in Jack Daniel's portfolio that you can buy today.
Best Overall
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Black Label Tennessee Whiskey
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Courtesy of Drizly
Sold everywhere
Reasonably priced
Signature Tennessee whiskey taste
Too bold for some tastes
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. It’s a great choice for any whiskey mixed drink or cocktail and famously pairs well with Coca-Cola to create the Jack and Coke. Once you become familiar with this whiskey, there is no mistaking it for any other and you will instantly recognize its distinct taste.
Price at time of publish: $27 for 750 ml
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
"Many don’t realize just how versatile Old No. 7 can be. Go ahead and try it in your favorite tiki drink!" — Eric “ET” Tecosky, Jack Daniel’s U.S. Brand Ambassador and Mixology Veteran
Best for Non-Whiskey Drinkers
Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey
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Courtesy of ReserveBar
Reasonably priced
Perfect for high-end cocktails
Exceptionally smooth
Not sold everywhere
Soft whiskey taste
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 also slowly dripped through 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 cocktail or enjoy it neat or on the rocks; this easy-drinking whiskey is fabulous either way.
Price at time of publish: $35 for 750 ml
ABV: 40 percent | Age: No age statement (at least 5 years) | Volume: 50 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml, 1 L, 1.75 L
"If you are looking to try something less traditional, how about a whiskey sour with half Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple and half Gentleman Jack?” – Eric “ET” Tecosky, Jack Daniel’s U.S. Brand Ambassador and Mixology Veteran
Best Rye Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s Straight Rye Whiskey
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Courtesy of ReserveBar
Spicy taste with a JD twist
Great for cocktails
Relatively inexpensive
Can be difficult to find
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 cocktail. 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.
Price at time of publish: $27 for 750 ml
ABV: 45 percent | Age: No age statement (at least 5 years) | Volume: 50 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml
"Jack Daniel's Tennessee Rye has the perfect balance of spice and subtle fruit notes to go great in a Smash or Sazerac." — Eric “ET” Tecosky, Jack Daniel’s U.S. Brand Ambassador and Mixology Veteran
Best Single Barrel Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select
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Courtesy of ReserveBar
Great sipping whiskey
Refined Black Label taste
Perfect for special occasions
Top-shelf price
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 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 whiskey.
Price at time of publish: $55 for 750 ml
ABV: 47 percent | Age: No age statement (at least 5 1/2 to 6 years) | Volume: 375 ml, 750 ml
"Single Barrel Select is a great choice when looking for a spirit-forward cocktail like an old fashioned or Boulevardier." — Eric “ET” Tecosky, Jack Daniel’s U.S. Brand Ambassador and Mixology Veteran
Best High-Proof Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof
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Courtesy of Minibar Delivery
Big, bold Tennessee whiskey
Fantastic on the rocks
Very intense
Premium whiskey price
Limited availability
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.
Price at time of publish: $70 for 750 ml
ABV: 62.5–66 percent | Age: No age statement (about 4 to 7 years) | Volume: 375 ml, 750 ml
Best Special Barrel Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select
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Courtesy of ReserveBar
Fine sipping whiskey
Not too rare
Very expensive
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.
Price at time of publish: $179 for 1 L
ABV: 45 percent | Age: No age statement (about 4 to 5 years) | Volume: 750 ml, 1 L
Best Flavored Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey
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Courtesy of Drizly
Readily available
Affordable
Great honey liqueur option
Ingredients and production details are not fully disclosed
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 cocktail, 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.
Price at time of publish: $38 for 1 L
ABV: 35 percent | Age: No age statement | Volume: 50 ml, 200 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml, 1 L, 1.75 L
Best Seasonal Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s Winter Jack Tennessee Cider
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Courtesy of Minibar Delivery
Perfect for chilly nights
Creates cozy warm cocktails
Nice balance of flavor
Seasonal availability
Limited supply
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.
Price at time of publish: $20 for 750 ml
ABV: 15 percent | Age: No age statement | Volume: 750ml
Best Ready-to-Drink Beverage
Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails Southern Peach
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Courtesy of Minibar Delivery
Balanced whiskey-peach flavor
Not too sweet
Low-alcohol drink
Limited availability
From whiskey-spiked tea to bottled versions of the brand’s signature Lynchburg lemonade cocktail, Jack Daniel’s is no stranger to the ready-to-drink (RTD) market. After years of experimentation, its Country Cocktails 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.
Price at time of publish: $2 for 10 oz
ABV: 4.8 percent | Age: unaged (should skip for this entry) | Volume: 10 oz
Best Canned Cocktail
Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, Honey, and Lemonade
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Courtesy of Drizly
Convenient
Fresh boozy lemonade taste
Stronger than most beer
Pricey, though competitive
It’s no secret that canned cocktails 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 cocktail. 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 cocktails.
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 cocktail 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.
Price at time of publish: $5 for 355 ml
ABV: 7 percent | Volume: 355 ml
Whether you’re familiar with the brand or looking for your first taste, you cannot go wrong with Jack Daniel’s Black Label (view at ReserveBar). It is the whiskey that gave the distillery its iconic name and all other expressions are based on it. For something different, Gentleman Jack (view at ReserveBar) is an excellent choice for those who like a softer whiskey, while the Single Barrel Barrel Proof (view at ReserveBar) is ideal for drinkers who want a big, bold Tennessee whiskey.
What to Look for in a Jack Daniel’s Whiskey
Aging
Jack Daniel’s is one of several brands that doesn’t include an age statement on its whiskey. Like Maker’s Mark Bourbon, the company relies on the distillery’s team to regularly taste the whiskey as it rests in the barrel and know when it’s done. However, over the years, bits of information have leaked as to how long Jack Daniel’s whiskies are aged. For Old. No. 7 Black Label, that’s at least four years, though some whiskies in the blend that goes into the bottle may be aged longer. The other expressions tend to be a bit older, but generally between four and seven years old.
Price
There are cheaper whiskeys than Jack Daniel’s, but it’s also not the most expensive on the market. The Black Label, for instance, is competitively priced with other mid- to top-shelf whiskies. It’s not outrageous, good for a regular bar stock, and you can often find it (and the liqueurs) on sale. As you move up in the portfolio, expect to pay a little more, though only the Sinatra Select and limited-edition whiskies will fall into the luxurious price range.
Limited Editions
While it seems like they produce a lot of different whiskeys, the total Jack Daniel’s bottle count is nearly endless when you include the wide array of limited-edition bottlings. These are often specialty whiskeys that are exceptionally good, or use a different barrel or slight twist on the production technique. Some are very sought after by collectors—even years later—and fetch a price that reflects their prestige. It’s fun to explore the various offerings to taste the difference.
FAQs
What type of whiskey is Jack Daniel’s?
Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee whiskey. Under that designation, it must be produced in Tennessee, use at least 51 percent corn in the mashbill, and be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. It’s very similar to the regulations surrounding bourbon (though that can be distilled anywhere in the U.S.), but it’s the charcoal mellowing before aging (the Lincoln County process) that makes Jack Daniel’s and Tennessee whiskey unique.
Where is Jack Daniel’s Whiskey made?
The Jack Daniel’s Distillery was established in Lynchburg, Tennessee in 1866. Founded by Jasper “Jack” Newton Daniel, the site takes advantage of the pristine, mineral-rich water of Cave Spring Hollow. The distillery operation has certainly grown, though it still has a classic Southern charm, and it’s a popular destination for tourists.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Colleen Graham is a food and beverage writer with over a decade of experience writing about cocktails, beer, and wine. She is the author of two books—“Rosé Made Me Do It” and “Tequila: Cocktails With a Kick”—and has developed countless drink recipes. She also interviewed Eric “ET” Tecosky, Jack Daniel’s U.S. Brand Ambassador and Mixology Veteran, for his insights for this roundup.
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