Black pepper | Rye | Raisin | Burnt oak | Bold with plenty of heat

Rush of spice | Black pepper | Rye | Cinnamon | Baking spices | Butterscotch | Caramel | Rich | Heat persists

Baking spices | Light cinnamon | Butterscotch | Caramel | Leather | Cigar box | Long with spice throughout

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye was first released as a limited edition in 2020. The company recently announced that this would become a permanent line extension for the brand, and it is also available as a single barrel selection on an allocated basis. Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye follows previous Jack Daniel’s rye releases that included Unaged Rye in 2012, Rested Rye in 2014, Single Barrel Rye in 2016, and Tennessee Rye in 2017.

I really enjoyed the 2020 limited edition barrel that I reviewed, and as a result, I was excited to hear this announcement. While the limited edition was fairly difficult to find and quickly sold out, now that this has become a permanent line extension, I’m hopeful that this will become more accessible around its $60 MSRP similar to its Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey counterpart.

Like any single barrel, barrel proof release, proofs vary by barrel. And in usual Jack Daniel’s style, the proof points are generally pretty high. Clocking in at over 137 proof, this barrel’s proof is evident throughout with heat upfront, persistent heat through the palate, and heat that tapers towards heavy spice in the finish. Raisin and burnt oak add depth to the nose, with butterscotch and caramel weaving into the palate. On the finish, enjoyable amounts of leather and cigar box flavors join in.

The high proof point is exciting and makes for an exceptionally bold pour, which I enjoy, but it’s a bit hotter than the 2020 limited edition barrel I reviewed by comparison. A splash of water pulls the heat back to a welcome degree. While I rarely add water, it definitely allows the flavors through more prominently while still maintaining the boldness of this particular barrel. To that end, even between the only two barrels I have to compare, there is quite a bit of range between them which makes me excited to try more barrels when they become available. This is an exciting announcement from Jack Daniel’s and a line extension I’m 100% behind. More importantly, it’s one every Jack Daniel’s fan who enjoys high proof pours should be excited about too.