Stewed red berries | Plum | Vanilla | Sweet malt | Maple wood | Good intensity for proof

Malt | Cocoa powder | Strawberry rhubarb | Dark cherry | Vanilla bean | Sweet

Malt | Coffee bean | Raisin | Charred oak | Touch of pepper | Slightly dry | Medium length

In late 2022, Jack Daniel’s Distillery finally revealed their long-rumored American single malt. With the American single malt destination awaiting approval from the TTB, many brands have a malt whiskey in the works fearing they may be left behind if American single malts take off with consumers. Jack Daniel’s first malt showing, 2022’s Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Special Release American Single Malt, was a limited release that few likely had the opportunity to experience.

The company’s followup, the similarly titled Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt Oloroso Sherry Cask, is similar to the limited release in some ways, and different in others. Both underwent Jack Daniel’s traditional 10 foot charcoal mellowing process, were entered into their first fill barrels in 2015, aged for about 5 years, and then were finished in 300L Oloroso Sherry casks “to add richness,” according master distiller Chris Fletcher. While 2022’s Special Release version was finished for approximately two years and then bottled as single casks, this latest version added a year to its finishing time for a total of three years, and is a blend of 100 sherry casks (which translates to the equivalent of approximately 250 standard 53 gallon barrels).

As for overall taste, the latest version isn’t much different than last year’s limited release, with the notable exception of its proof. Now 90 verses 105.7, the change doesn’t have the effect you think it might have. While we wished for “a bit more oomph” with the limited release, at the lower proof the flavors are surprisingly better integrated. All of Jack Daniel’s whiskeys, including their ryes, have a distinct creaminess characteristic to them, which is likely due to the Lincoln County Process and their water source. Amazingly, those characteristics carry over to Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt.

Some people haven’t been won over by American single malts yet and some of that is likely due to the 100% malt mashbill and its distinct taste. While Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt is malt-forward, it is much more approachable than some of the west coast single malt offerings from Westward Whiskey and Westland Whiskey. The whiskey’s sherry influence is present throughout its sip, but not as assertive as you’d expect it to be. At times, Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt has more in common with a finished corn whiskey than a finished bourbon which you might be more familiar with. It’s light and approachable, and its overall sweetness makes it very easy to drink. For American single malt lovers who prefer the extremes, I’m not sure if its single malt qualities are pronounced enough for them to fully embrace it.

As it stands, it's hard to find any major faults with Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt. It may not be a highly unique tasting American single malt, but the flipside is it is an extremely approachable and drinkable American single malt whiskey. I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up becoming somewhat of an ambassador for this style of whiskey as more and more whiskey drinkers decide to give it a try. Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt Oloroso Sherry Cask is currently a travel retail exclusive only release, and the company says there aren’t any plans to change that, we expect Jack Daniel’s to offer an American Single Malt stateside in the future.