Review: Jack Daniel's Twice-Barreled Rye Is A Complex Whiskey Best Suited For Enthusiasts
When you think about Jack Daniel's, you probably think about the brand's iconic Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey. While the original black-labeled bottle may be a staple in seemingly every bar (and bar cart) in America, there are also a host of other Jack Daniel's whiskeys available for when you're craving higher-end, all-American libation — including a few unique ryes.
The Jack Daniel's rye lineup includes its standard Tenessee Rye, a Single Barrel Rye, and annual special edition bottles like its Single Barrel Special Release Barrel Proof Rye. This year, rye fans have another limited edition bottle to get excited about: Jack Daniel's Twice Barreled Special Release Heritage Barrel Rye.
The bottle adds a whole new spin to the company's single-barrel collection since the rye is double-aged to achieve a one-of-a-kind flavor. To see if it's worth securing a bottle for your own collection, we put this exciting new bottle to the (taste) test.
What is Jack's Daniel's limited release?
Jack Daniel's Twice-Barreled Special Release Heritage Barrel Rye features a mashbill that contains 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley. The spirit is charcoal mellowed before spending at least the first five years of its life aging in handmade American white oak barrels. Then, according to a press release, it's put through a secondary, two-year aging process in signature heritage barrels that are lightly charred and heavily toasted to add complexity and depth of flavor.
The brand's Master Distiller, Chris Fletcher, stated in a press release that the barrels "showcase the expertise of our cooperage and elevate innovation through the barrel-making process." This release differs from Jack Daniel's other twice-barreled offering, Jack Daniel's Twice-Barreled 2022 Special Release American Single-Malt Whiskey, which spends time aging in Oloroso sherry casks rather than the toasted Heritage barrels.
The final product is bottled at 100 proof. Unlike last year's Single-Barrel Special Release Barrel-Proof Rye, which was bottled at a significantly stronger 150 proof, this year's release isn't considered cask strength.
Availability
Rye aficionados already know that this bottle is likely to be a hot commodity. Single-barrel whiskey requires a lot of time and attention to create, and the double-aging process requires a significant amount of time and effort on the part of the distiller. So, not only is this bottle a labor of love, but it's also not something you're going to be able to pick up as easily as a bottle of classic Jack Daniel's Old No. 7.
This special-edition Jack Daniel's bottle is a limited release, so only a finite number of bottles are going to hit the market. It's also only available in the U.S., so international rye lovers will have an even more difficult time getting their hands on a bottle. If you snag one of these special bottles, you can register it on the Jack Daniel's website. You can also register it on behalf of someone else if you're giving it to someone as a gift.
Cost
The suggested retail price for a bottle of Jack Daniel's Twice Barreled Special Release Heritage Barrel Rye is extremely reasonable at $70 for a 700ml bottle. This is a far cry from the sub-$30 price tag of a bottle of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Rye.
It's also important to keep in mind that just because the MSRP is $70, doesn't mean that you can actually find it at that price. Much like Jack Daniel's other special release ryes, like the Single-Barrel Special Release Barrel-Proof Rye that is now sold for hundreds of dollars, liquor stores are already listing the bottle at an extremely steep (think prices in the hundreds) markup — and many are already sold out. It's an undoubtedly expensive price to pay for a bottle of rye, but the demand for this limited release demonstrates that plenty of whiskey fans are willing to shell out for this special bottle.
Tasting experience
While the unique production methods used to make this bottle (and the clout it's sure to achieve in the whiskey world) are important, taste is still the ultimate factor. Your eyes eat (or in this case, drink) first, and it's easy to see that this rye is darker than most standard iterations. It has a deep, almost reddish hue that lets you know right away you're drinking something that isn't a run-of-the-mill rye.
On the nose, this rye features prominent notes of smoke, oak, and caramel. You'll notice prominent notes of warm baking spices on the palate right away, as well as a balanced hit of spice. It's toasty, rich, and smooth, and also features notes of molasses and vanilla. The finish is decidedly peppery. The brand describes the tasting experience as complex, and we couldn't agree more, as the flavors almost oscillate between sweet and spicy with each sip.
Tasting experience compared to Jack Daniel's Tennessee Rye
Jack Daniel's Twice Barreled Special Release Heritage Barrel Rye is distinct from other ryes in the brand's collection. Compared to Jack Daniel's Tennessee Rye, which is its standard rye option, you'll notice plenty of differences between the two. Although both bottles contain 70% rye and are charcoal-mellowed, the standard rye comes in at a slightly lower proof (90 as opposed to 100). The brand's standard rye also features a lighter, more golden color.
The standard Tennessee Rye is punchier and doesn't go down as silky smooth as its double-aged counterpart. You'll notice fewer notes of baking spices, and more prominent notes of fruit, particularly banana and cherry. It tastes thinner and less rich but, admittedly, more like what you probably imagine typical rye is going to taste like. If you want to enjoy your rye neat, the double-aged variety is the winner. If you want to make a cocktail that showcases typical rye flavors, the standard stuff is a better bet.
Is the special release worth it?
If you're wondering if adding a bottle of Jack Daniel's Twice Barreled Special Release Heritage Barrel Rye to your collection is worth it, the answer is yes — and no. If you're an avid collector who loves rye, procuring this bottle should be on your list. Jack Daniel's has done an incredible job of releasing highly sought-after special editions and this bottle is no different. Double-barreled whiskies are taking the spirits world by storm and having a bottle from such an iconic brand is a great way to participate in the trend.
However, if you're a casual rye drinker who just wants the perfect rye for a Manhattan, this one probably isn't for you. Don't get us wrong — this is a truly delicious rye, but it's likely not worth the effort (and money) involved in purchasing a bottle if you just want a good rye. It's also important to note that while it's very clear that you are, in fact, drinking rye, the double aging process results in a specific, unique flavor.