Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select

Whisky?

Bourbon?

Tennessee whiskey? 

It doesn’t matter what you call it, but if it’s Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey, chances are, you’ll call it delicious. This is a connoisseur's bottle, first introduced in 1997 by the distillery that produces the top-selling whiskey in the world. According to the label, Single Barrel Select is,” the signature offering in our single barrel collection". Though it technically qualifies as bourbon, the Jack Daniel’s brand prefers to keep its Lynchburg, Tennessee origins front and center, hence Tennessee whiskey. But—Tennessee Shmennessee--let's agree that what's important is that Single Barrel Select ismellow, smooth and smells like heaven.

The Single Barrel Select is 94 proof and perfectly expresses the particular softness of its high-corn mash bill-- 80% corn, 12 % malted barley and 8 % rye—coupled with JD’s renowned “Lincoln County Process”. This process entails dripping distilled Jack Daniel’s through charcoal made from sugar maple that’s been soaked with 140 proof Jack Daniel’s whiskey. The result is then aged for around 4 to 7 years in new charred oak barrels. For their single barrel bottlings, Jack Daniel’s selects barrels from the top tier of the rickhouse.

What impressed me most about the Single Barrel Select is the luscious nose. Once I poured some Single Barrel Select into my favorite wide-mouthed shot glass and held it under my nose, I felt I could go on smelling it forever. Cherry was evident, and banana, too, gently prevailing over the caramel, and toasty vanilla notes you might expect. When I finally broke the spell and sipped, the flavors blended subtly with a definite sweetness, and a smooth mouth-feel that made this whiskey very easy to drink.

So, pour it, smell it, sip it and don’t forget to look at it. This version of Jack Daniel’s comes in a beautiful Victorian-style bottle with a square bottom and a fluted neck. 

The only thing left is to find yourself a wide-mouthed shot glass and enjoy some of Tennessee’s finest. 

By Barbara Chapman, La Bourbonessa

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