Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye (2024 Release)

Barrel house: 1-06 Barrel number: 24-10385 Bottling date: 06NOV2024 129.5 proof, 64.75% ABV Excited to finally encounter this release. I'd only heard positive remarks about this product and had it suggested by several people. What I hadn't considered is the significant time that had passed since first hearing about it and receiving recommendations, which now makes sense given it's an annual limited release. I'm fortunate to have acquired it at MSRP, but considering the poor distribution and allocation within the American whiskey market, I suspect it's already gone by the time I finish this sentence. I've also never appreciated people combining corn and rye and then proudly presenting it as a rye whiskey, but at 70% rye, it's not entirely hopeless. I do, however, commend them for offering a barrel strength product that finally surpasses those weak imitators hovering between 105 and 110 proof. The only aspect that could be further enhanced is the age, but thankfully they included the bottling date, as if providing half the answer is sufficient. The color presents as a rich blend of chestnut and mahogany. The aroma initially features a generous amount of red and blue berries, followed by cracked cinnamon, dried grass, vanilla frosting, and some spicy toasted oak. The ethanol is remarkably tame, allowing for deep inhalation without any harshness. With continued nosing, a subtle tobacco note emerges, along with other general baking spices, and the sweetness intensifies, more noticeably as aged corn that has mellowed from its raw, aggressive state. The initial taste offers classic cinnamon and herbaceous rye whiskey characteristics, enhanced by a sweet chocolate sauce flavor. Beyond any cinnamon or ethanol burn, something starts to irritate and warm the gum line, while spiced French oak and citrus oil notes subtly join in. The red berries from the aroma reappear, specifically as cherries, but due to the sweetness, they have a maraschino-like quality. The finish is dry but revisits the spice and citrus, with a faint hint of that signature charcoal filter taste, though it's more full-bodied this time compared to lower proof versions. This is truly an outstanding example of the versatility of rye whiskey in American distilling, and while it doesn't meet all my typical requirements for American ryes, its distinctiveness is undeniable. The charcoal filtering and medium rye mash bill create a fascinating flavor profile to explore, especially within the few sips it takes to dissipate due to the proof. Make no mistake, however, this is how all whiskeys globally should be presented; one can always dilute it, but removing proof is impossible. I would greatly appreciate knowing the age statement to better grasp the grain development, but more importantly, I wish this was more accessible for purchase, or simply more widely distributed and allocated. I'm uncertain about the situation with the lower proof version of this same whiskey regarding its availability and frequency of sale, but if the price is reasonable, Jack Daniel's has provided another excellent source for single barrel enthusiasts and has helped me rediscover the excitement of comparing them.

Rye whiskey has always captured my interest. Its spicy, earthy notes are more engaging and fulfilling. Having previously enjoyed the JD Straight Rye, which was quite decent (and I suspect no longer produced) with a fair price, my next step was the Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye. The SBBP Bourbon is fantastic, so I naturally held similar hopes. This bottling comes in at a substantial 65.55% ABV. Nose: A welcoming scent that is sweet, spicy, and earthy. Light brown sugar and vanilla lean towards the sweeter end. Pumpernickel and cinnamon provide the spice. Leather and the smell of rain on dry earth anchor the sweet and spicy elements. In the background, the distinct JD banana aroma lingers. Palate: After overcoming the initial numbing sensation and allowing the palate to adjust, the flavors emerge. Cola, caramel, cinnamon, and vanilla are all present together. It has a chewy texture. As it progresses towards the finish, the rye character surfaces, accompanied by barrel char. Finish: A tingling sensation on the tongue that evolves into a long, bitter conclusion. Wood char, cola, cloves, and a hint of spearmint are detected. With Water: Adding a good amount of water certainly mellows the drink. However, its character, spice, and earthiness are reduced. Overall: This is a dependable sipping rye. It drinks more like a bourbon than a rye, leaning sweeter rather than grainy. A splash of water undeniably smooths the experience. The nose is impressive, the palate is pleasant and accessible, and the finish is satisfyingly long. If it had more rye spice and baking spice, it would be truly excellent. It would perform well in an old fashioned or perhaps a Manhattan. Still, it's a good sipper. In comparison, I found the Straight Rye to be a more suitable mixer.

Sipped neat in a glencairn glass, second pour from the bottle, allowed to sit for approximately 20 minutes, with a vigorous swirl. Bottle is 130.1 proof, barrel house 1-09, bottled 3-12-24, with 2 small drops of water added. Nose: Sweet, reminiscent of a bourbon with familiar Jack Daniel's notes like banana nut, sweet cinnamon sugar, toffee, and hints of smoke or barrel char. Palate: Begins similarly to a bourbon, with sweet brown sugar, a little banana, some nuttiness, caramel, and apple. Midway through, the rye spice emerges intensely, bringing notes of clove, red hot cinnamon, and smoke. It certainly transforms into a spicy character, finishing with a cooling sensation akin to spearmint. Finish: A medium to long finish, not overly complex, with spearmint and oak lingering the longest and fully coating the palate. Hints of apple and smokiness are present, but interestingly, the sweet-to-spicy-to-minty journey on the palate persists, and while not intensely flavorful, the sensation on the tongue remains long after the final sip. These Jack Daniel's barrel proof ryes are becoming my preferred ryes. Depending on your usual rye preference, this might not be your go-to, as it presents heavily bourbon-forward and not necessarily in the traditional rye style. You'll detect some mint and spice, but the aroma and initial taste are sweet and delightful. I tried the initial pour straight without water and actually believe the added water enhanced the proof more than it did when undiluted. For me, at a price point between $69-$89, I will definitely purchase it. If you enjoy a sweeter bourbon, this will suit you well. If you prefer something like a Willet rye or a Whistle Pig rye, this wouldn't be a suitable comparison. As a whiskey overall, it's fantastic.

A JD single barrel barrel proof rye from barrel house 1-06, barrel 24-10996, bottled 11/20/2024, at 64.9% ABV. Tasted neat. It has a penny copper color and leaves average coating legs in the glass. The nose presents spicy grass and pepper, sweet grain, stone fruit, and vanilla oak. On the palate, an initial rush of baking spice, pepper, and mint. The mouthfeel is oily and coating, rich, sweet, and full. Oak tannins and overripe fruit, even bubble gum, along with an ethanol surge lead to a tingling finish. It’s sweet, but nettles and menthol dominate the tingling mouthfeel finish. Sour grapes, smoky vanilla, dry oak, and earthy dried fruit take over in a very, very long finish. Adding an ice cube reduces the spice and ethanol, but the tannins and mint tingle persist. This is a rye that demands attention. It's powerful and bold, and the effort is rewarded. It's not a rye for novices. I will continue to contemplate and taste it before offering a final verdict, but as of now... it's among the best ryes I've encountered recently.

Barrel house 1-09 Barrel# 24-02685 Bottling date 3.14.24 - Pi Day Proof: 135.7 Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium-dark amber. Nose: This is apple pie. Apples, caramel, graham crackers with a fair amount of pie spices. Palate: Big clove and baking spice, with some of the apple pie from the nose just beneath the surface. Finish: More warm than hot, but the length is impressive. It just won't quit. Splash: Some of the spice from the palate is calmed, but no new flavors appear. Overall: 9/10 - This lives up to the hype. I had lazily chased this for a while before lucking out at a store that had 4 bottles on the shelf, with no limit. It's not quite a daily drinker at 135.7 proof, but it will make some killer cocktails or hold up to a large ice sphere.

From barrel 24-00150, bottled 1/5/24 from barrel house 1-07. The nose has banana, burnt caramel, a bit of grassiness, and clove. The palate tastes just like the aroma, with added spice and perhaps a hint of honey and oak. The finish fades into dark chocolate.