Jack Daniel's Bonded
Bottled-in-Bond (BIB) is one of the legal regulations governing the production of American whiskey, alongside the designation 'straight.' To be labeled as BIB, the whiskey must have been distilled by a distillery within a single distilling season. Subsequently, it must have matured for at least 4 years in a bonded warehouse and be bottled at 100 Proof (50% ABV). Jack Daniel's has recently introduced a Bonded release that we are tasting today.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The aroma has a powerful start. Intense caramel and vanilla greet the nose, accompanied by the characteristic scent of bananas that's typical of Jack Daniel's. Additionally, a delightful combination of spiciness and refined sugar becomes apparent.
Palate
On the palate, the Tennessee Whiskey is initially typical of Jack Daniel's, but it's as if someone turned up the volume. A substantial dose of green banana comes through, which then transforms into a powerfully sweet combination of caramel and what we would best describe as Vanilla Coke. On the palate, we find a hint of spicy, charred oak.
Finish
The finish is medium-length with a really nice and spicy kick. We're still thinking about charred oak, and somewhere buried in there, we discover a few cloves.
Thoughts
Marcel 73/100
Jack Daniel's Bonded is like a familiar buddy who suddenly turns up the volume – more power, more fun, yet still that typical charm. Neat, it’s a fantastic companion, bringing sweet caramel notes and a banana charm that simply lifts your spirits. For fans wanting more than just the Old No. 7, this is a clear home run.
Sascha 75/100
The Bonded expression strikes a successful balance between intense sweetness and spicy oak, which structurally enhances the classic Jack Daniel's character. At 50% ABV, the whiskey presents itself powerfully without losing harmony – a technically clean yet expressive Tennessee whiskey that clearly stands apart from the standard bottling.
Value for Money: Good
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What does the term "Bottled-in-Bond" mean for Jack Daniel's Bonded?
Bottled-in-Bond (BIB) is a US legal regulation requiring that the whiskey be distilled at a single distillery within a six-month period and aged at least four years in a bonded warehouse. Additionally, it must be bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% alcohol). This designation guarantees quality and origin.
How does Jack Daniel's Bonded differ in taste from other Jack Daniel's whiskeys?
Jack Daniel's Bonded exhibits a more intense and robust character than the standard releases. Notably, pronounced aromas of green banana, caramel, and vanilla combine with spicy oak notes and a subtle clove spice to offer a more complex tasting experience.
Why did Jack Daniel's bottle the Bonded whiskey at 50% alcohol?
The 50% ABV (100 proof) bottling is a requirement for Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys. This higher alcohol content preserves the intense aromas and delivers a fuller flavor, better highlighting the whiskey’s characteristic profile.