Jack Daniels - Eric Church -Single Barrel Select (2020)
$79.99
Jack Daniels – Eric Church -Single Barrel Select (2020)
Collection: Rick # R-14 / Barrel # 20-03539
Proof: 94
Age: NAS (No Age Statement)
Distillery: Jack Daniels
Type: Tennessee Whiskey
Mash: 80% Corn / 12% Malted Barley / 8% Rye (Assumed)
Website: Jack Daniels
*Disclaimer: A score of 5 is the midpoint for my reviews. Above 5 I like it. Below 5 I didn’t for some reason. Most of my reviews are between 4-7. It takes something really really special to go above 7 or below 4. See the methodologies for rating at the end of the article
Nose: Honey, Caramel, Vanilla, Bananas. Very similar nose to your standard Single Barrel Select with less heat.
Taste/Palate: Once again… I get the same palate as the standard Single Barrel Select (previous review), but in different order. Upfront I get Honey and other sweet notes like Candied Sugar. In the midpalate I get vanilla and bananas. Very smooth with minimal intensity.
Finish: The sweetness carries through. My initial reaction on the finish is a Honey Mead with a hint of Vanilla. You don’t get much of the bananas in the midpalate and finish, it rounds out very sweet and smooth.
Verdict: Similar to the standard Single Barrel Select this bottle presents itself as young. By young, I mean you don’t get much oak or char in the flavor profile. This bottle is VERY smooth and sweet. It would be great as a dessert bourbon. One reason why I did this review directly following my Jack Daniels – Single Barrel Select review is I wanted to do a head to head while it’s fresh in my mind. Is the limited availability, $25 extra cost on MSRP, or the $250+ worth it on the secondary market? Yes and No. This is a solid treat bourbon. Not one I would consider a “Go-To”. You can find standard Single Barrel Select regularly on the shelf for around $50. For an extra $20-$30 you can get this hand selected special barrels. My final verdict is this is worth a purchase of under $80. It’s a good sipper and great to try. If I had to choose which one I would regularly purchase if availability wasn’t an issue I’d grab the standard Single Barrel Select and pull out the Eric Church Limited Edition for a nice dinner party paired with dessert.
The Story: I come across most of these allocated bottles by chance. I run into a liquor store to see if there is anything of interest. I have yet to receive a sample or bottle by the distiller to review, but I welcome the opportunity in the future. When I found this sitting on a display my first thought was “What’s the difference between this guy and your normal Single Barrel Select”? I mean it looks different and has Eric Church’s name on it. I will admit I’m not the biggest fan of slapping a celebrity’s name on a spirit and jacking up prices. I feel like this would have came out regardless of the celebrity, and Jack Daniels doesn’t need a celebrity to gain market interest, so in this case I’m ok with the partnership.
The Distillery’s Story: I covered the distillers story in my previous review (link above). The difference between this version of Single Barrel Select and the Eric Church Limited Edition is the selection process. These particular barrels are hand selected under the guidance of Master Distiller, Jeff Arnett, by Eric Church based on his taste. In short this limited edition series are the best of the best of the single barrel select barrels. I don’t believe there is any age difference between the 2 series.
Methodologies for Rating:
1. Dump it down the drain or regift it to someone you don’t care for.
2. This doesn’t even belong in a mixed drink. Use in case of an emergency.
3. It’s really not for me, but I heard some people like it.
4. Its only good when I’ve had too many and it’s decent in a mixer.
5. Solid. It hit all of what’s expected.
6. Above average. Good to bring to an event and you wouldn’t expect any guff from it.
7. Buy two if you see it to make sure you have one on reserve.
8. Very Very good. Constantly a GREAT POUR.
9. Superb. If I were to drink this and only this from now on I’d be a happy person.
10. Perfection is impossible. But this really comes as close as you can possibly get.
Nose, Palate, and Finish I rank regardless of cost. Value (recent addition) is ranked based on taste vs price.
Reviewer: David S
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