Early Times vs Jack Daniel's: Whiskey Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 09:04 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the differences between Early Times vs Jack Daniel’s in this head-to-head comparison and decide which whiskey is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Early Times vs Jack Daniel’s: Comparison

Early Times: A budget-friendly Kentucky Whisky with sweet apricot and caramel notes, ideal for mixing or sipping. It offers a smooth and pleasant experience at an affordable price point.

Jack Daniel’s: A Tennessee whiskey with banana and oak flavors, best enjoyed mixed, particularly in the classic Jack & Coke. It shines in cocktails, providing a unique twist.

Verdict: Early Times offers a smooth and sweet sip at a friendly price, perfect for everyday enjoyment or mixing. Jack Daniel’s provides versatility in cocktails, appealing to fans of Tennessee whiskey. Both cater to different preferences and occasions, ensuring there’s a whiskey for every taste and budget, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Jack Daniel’s Top Alternatives

Early Times: Sweet Sips at a Friendly Price

Nose: Apricot, vanilla, caramel
Palate: Apricot, caramel, nuts, spice
Finish: Short, fruity, oak spice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
Similar to: Buffalo Trace

Aroma: Sniff in a sweet mix of juicy apricot, warm vanilla, and melted caramel. It’s smooth and inviting, without any harsh surprises.

Palate: This whiskey feels pleasantly oily on the tongue, starting with a sweet burst of apricot and caramel. Then, hints of roasted nuts and subtle spice join the party, with a gentle reminder of alcohol.

Finish: The finale is quick, leaving a light echo of fruit, and oak spice.

Good Value, Smooth Sip: For its price, Early Times is surprisingly smooth and sweet, making it a solid choice for everyday enjoyment. While it might not have complex layers of flavor, it delivers a consistent and pleasant experience.

Mixing Marvel: This whiskey shines in cocktails, especially classics like Early Times & Coke. It blends well without overpowering, making it a budget-friendly mixing hero.

Fun Facts:

Aged for at least 3 years for some mellowing magic.
Technically a Kentucky Whisky, not bourbon, due to its use of used barrels (new barrels are required for bourbon).
Recently switched homes, moving from Brown-Forman to Sazerac Company and being produced at the 1792 Distillery in Bardstown.

Remember: Everyone’s taste buds are unique, so give Early Times a try and see if it rocks your whiskey world!

Jack Daniel’s: A Tennessee Twist with Bold Flavors

Nose: Banana, oak, brown sugar, wood polish
Palate: Caramel, banana, oak char, cinnamon
Finish: Citrus, black pepper, oak spice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Coke
Similar to: Benchmark

Aroma: Dive into a mix of sweet banana and warm brown sugar, hinting at the oak where it aged. Some find a whiff of wood polish, adding a distinct character.

Palate: It’s light-bodied, with hints of sweetness, but the oak char takes center stage, bringing bitterness. Think campfire embers with a touch of citrus peel.

Finish: The heat lingers a bit, like a sparkling dash of pepper, with a fleeting citrus note.

Sipping or Mixing? This one leans towards mixing. While some enjoy its unique profile neat, the oak char can be intense. Adding ice or water can tame the heat, making it smoother.

Cocktail King? Jack shines in classics like Jack & Coke, adding a unique twist compared to rum. But hey, explore! There’s a world of cocktails waiting.

Fun Facts:

Jack’s the global whiskey champion, selling over 100 million bottles a year!
Its recipe uses corn, barley, and rye, giving it a distinct character.
Forget age statements – Jack’s tasters decide when it’s perfect, based on color, aroma, and taste.
Their signature charcoal filtering smooths out the rough edges, adding a touch of maple sweetness.

Remember: Taste is subjective, and Jack Daniel’s has earned its fans for a reason. Give it a try, neat or mixed, and see if it fits your whiskey journey!