Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Coy Hill High Proof (2021 Special Release)

JACK DANIEL’S COY HILL Barrel No.: 21-08151 139.3 Proof // 69.65% ABV Appearance: Deep ruby/brown color. Extremely thick legs. It's satisfying to hold this up to the light. The color resembles black coffee held up to light in a clear glass. I'll note that compared to a fresh bottle of the standard JDSBBP, there was little discernible difference. I've heard it described as 'much darker,' but I wouldn't necessarily agree. It is dark, but not more so than the regular barrel proof. Aroma: Ethanol is present but not overpowering. Allow it to rest for a few minutes. Charred oak is the most striking element of the aroma. The oak notes also evoke the sensation of being able to brûlée brown sugar on a plank of aged oak wood. Welch’s grape jelly appears with the initial waves of ethanol. Beneath that lies charred oak and burnt sugars. Very faint nuttiness and cinnamon emerge when you dare to take larger inhales. Minimal to no trace of the typical JD banana notes. Taste: Wow. This. Is. Intense. (Imagine Michael Scott saying this...) A massive flavor unfolds and expands across the palate towards the back of the throat. Rich, oily, viscous texture. It's 'big,' but not 'hot.' I've experienced much lower proof bourbons that brought tears to my eyes, but this doesn't. Burnt sugars (crème brûlée crust, charred marshmallow, edges of burnt brownies) are dominant. Delicious, delicious charred oak tannins provide the bass notes in this full sensory experience from beginning to end. There's also a savory element, akin to sweet teriyaki beef jerky. Perhaps overripe banana as my palate adjusts to the experience. Finish: The longest finish I've ever encountered. ECBP B520 previously held the top spot for my favorite 'Kentucky Hug,' but this 'Tennessee Tackle' is equally or more enjoyable. Long finish. Charred oak, burnt sugars, milk chocolate/cocoa powder, cinnamon stick, and a burnt bread finish. Possibly some lingering subtle grape jelly notes from the aroma on the retro nasal. Overall: This is an event. It's like rediscovering whiskey for the first time. Personally, it reminds me of my initial experience with barrel proof bourbon. You don't 'treat yourself' to this whiskey; it treats you. Everything perceived in the aroma and on the palate carries through to the finish. What I appreciate about the standard JDSBBP gold label is its straightforwardness; it excels at what it does with extraordinary power. This offers more 'difference' than 'improvement' over JDSBBP gold label. Therefore, if you can't find CHHP, opt for Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof. The Bourbon Judge on YouTube presents my favorite comparison. JDSBBP is like Mike Tyson today; you see him on the street, are impressed, and might cautiously say 'hello.' Coy Hill is like Tyson in his prime, pacing the ring in those little black shorts with that intense look, ready to dominate his opponent. Coy Hill High Proof is a phenomenal experience. Happy New Year! Coy to the World!

Neat. Sample. So incredibly thrilled. The shade of this is a wild mahogany, by the way. On the nose, it's so tightly packed. Everything feels dense. Not at all like a typical Jack. No banana fosters. Tree bark. Caramel apple. Elephant ears dusted with powdered sugar. Stewed fruits. I'm going to let this rest and open up. Normally I'd try immediately, but I was advised this needed air and forgot. Yet, it genuinely seems to require air. Fifteen minutes later.... That was an agonizing wait. Oh, it worked out. The nose is so sweet now. A wonderful butterscotch note appeared. Elephant ear covered in butterscotch and powdered sugar. On the taste, oh, the texture is unique. It's extremely thick yet feels weightless. So, the top of my mouth feels like thick syrup, but my tongue feels light and airy. Likely numbness? So strange! The finish on this is wild, but I'll try not to get ahead of myself. On the tongue, intense butterscotch and cinnamon overpower. Mid-palate is extreme butterscotch that builds until my toes curl. The finish is the elephant ears, and it's the kind of elephant ear that leaks the frying oil as you chew. Then, a second wave of stewed fruits arrives on the finish. And they linger for ages. That was intense. Revisiting the mid-palate, there's more complexity than just butterscotch. Cinnamon, nutmeg, apple, clove. Now there's coffee on the finish. Oh, I detected a banana essence deep into the finish. This is all about the finish. I don't want another sip because the flavors never cease. I just lean back and experience it repeatedly. It's transforming into bread pudding with butterscotch. Just dessert after dessert after dessert. This is an experience.

Nose - Caramel, oak, vanilla, a touch of peach and fresh strawberries. The nose is lively and leaps from the glass. Amazingly, the ethanol remains subdued for this high proof (138.1). Palate - Abundant layers of flavor here - banana, caramel, vanilla, caramel cream, strawberries, fresh peach skin, all enveloped in oak. Palate - Deceptive! The proof doesn't match the palate. It's very easy to drink straight from the bottle. A hint of green banana, vanilla, peaches in a basket. Vanilla bean, all layered with caramel drizzle. Then the spice emerges, reminiscent of your grandmother's homemade sweet potato pie. Finish - Whoa......hold on! I AM SPEECHLESS hahaha! Those who follow me know I'm never at a loss for words. Overall - If you continue to dismiss JD because of memories of getting drunk on Old #7 in college, you're missing the point! This is a spectacular offering. Sit back, relax, light up a cigar, and enjoy this one as I did. The reason it's not a five is a slightly waxy note on the initial entry. I'm critical, but on any given night.......you need this bottle.

I was fortunate to acquire this bottle a couple months back. My friend also bought one after I contacted him. This specific bottling registers a remarkable 143.3 proof.​ Having enjoyed last year's special release, this one was a high priority, and it lived up to expectations. Fans of the standard JDSBBP will know what to expect, but imagine that with additional intensity. This is truly one of the most intricate, potent whiskeys I've encountered. The complexity is remarkable. Flavors emerge in rapid succession, with banana's foster being the most dominant. The texture is incredible. I cherish this bottle and wish it could last eternally. However, I won't be purchasing at secondary prices, so my liver prevails, I suppose. If you've been lucky enough to get a bottle and are saving it, thinking it will be worth a fortune one day, I urge you to open and savor it instead. It's that delightful (not financially life-changing, but still outstanding). The anticipation was justified; JD is producing some exceptional spirits. Recorded 2-10-22

JDSBSR Coy Hill High Proof - 139.5 proof Neat // Glencairn // Tasted Blind Nose: Dark red apples, dripping cherries, maple syrup, grape soda, sweet oak, caramelized sugars, a whisper of green banana, with absolutely no alcohol burn - astonishing. Palate: Grape soda, caramelized sugar, cherry pie filling, sweet oak, banana pudding - complete with soft banana and vanilla wafer, and that familiar subtle oak spice that gradually builds and marks the transition to the finish. Finish: Hot Tamales, grape soda, sweet chewing tobacco, vanilla bean, toasted brown sugar, soft banana, cinnamon Altoid mints, Juicy Fruit gum. This pours beautifully, and I find it hard to fault. The alcohol is barely perceptible, allowing the rich, sweet flavors to be fully appreciated. The spice subtly tingles throughout, providing an excellent transition to the finish. This is an exceptional, exceptional dram. 95/100

The characteristic Jack Daniel’s banana note is present but less prominent than in other special releases. Oak and maple are the main flavors. There's a definite warming effect from the proof, but it's pleasant, like sitting by a campfire on a cool evening. This is a much more enjoyable experience than Stagg Junior batch 13 (128.4 proof), which feels like I'm on fire despite being nearly 11 proof points lower. I initially thought the high proof of this release might be a gimmick, but it's actually an incredibly delicious whiskey. 139.1 Proof