Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select Barrel Proof Rye

This is my first time trying this high-proof rye whiskey at 69.7% ABV (137.4 proof). The extreme proof means you can effectively double the volume with water, which is necessary for sipping. Neat, it's very harsh and difficult to drink. The initial aroma, before dilution, presents black pepper, charred oak, smoke, pine, mint, and coriander – very herbal, woody, and spicy. The palate echoes this with black pepper, pine, cinnamon, and charred oak. After adding water and a little ice, the aroma becomes vanilla cream soda, cola, cloves, and smoky. The palate remains spicy initially, then nutty, minty, and mildly sweet. Like its bourbon counterpart, the high ethanol content is a significant challenge. The finish is dominated by ashy, smoky notes. While the bottle will last a long time due to the dilution capability, the price doesn't seem justified. My opinion might change with more tasting, but it's a difficult drink.

New Era's 2025 hazmat selection: A stellar 4.75 out of 5.