Jack Daniel’s No. 7 vs Single Barrel Select

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:06 pm

Discover the differences between Jack Daniel’s No. 7 vs Single Barrel Select 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

Jack Daniel’s No. 7 vs Single Barrel Select: Comparison

Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7: Known for its banana, oak, and brown sugar aroma, this whiskey delivers a palate of caramel, banana, and oak char, with a finish featuring citrus, black pepper, and oak spice. Best enjoyed with Coke for a classic combination.

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel: Elevates the experience with a nose of banana, caramel, and oak, a palate rich in vanilla, caramel, cherry, and oak, and a medium-length finish of cherry, caramel, and oak spice. Ideal for enjoying on the rocks.

Verdict: Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 serves as a gateway into the whiskey world, offering a distinctive profile that’s especially popular in mixed drinks like the iconic Jack & Coke. Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, with its higher proof and unique selection from a single barrel, provides a more refined sipping experience, appealing to those looking for depth and character in their sip, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best Recommended Jack Daniel’s Whiskeys

Jack Daniel’s: A Familiar Sipper with a Distinctive Profile

• 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: Woodford Reserve

Jack Daniel’s holds a unique place in the whiskey world. Renowned for its smooth charcoal filtering and Tennessee heritage, it’s the world’s best-selling brand, sparking both ardent fans and cautious curiosity. Let’s explore its flavor profile:

Aroma:

• Signature note: Expect a prominent banana aroma, often likened to “plastic banana,” alongside hints of brown sugar, oak, and a subtle wood polish touch. This combination can be divisive, with some finding it appealing and others less so.

Taste:

• Light & Sweet: Jack Daniel’s boasts a lighter body compared to some bourbons. The initial sweetness can be appealing, but for some, it’s quickly overtaken by oak char bitterness.

Finish:

• Short & Spicy: The finish is brief, often described as hot and peppery with lingering citrus and a faint “glue-like” note. This aspect can be perceived as harsh, especially neat.

Sipping vs. Mixing:

• Neat or ice?: While some enjoy Jack Daniel’s neat, its lighter body and prominent oak can benefit from a touch of ice or water, which can tame the spice and unlock more subtle flavors.
• Cocktail King: Where Jack Daniel’s truly shines is in mixed drinks. Its lighter profile blends well with cola in the classic Jack & Coke, making it a popular choice for casual enjoyment.

Final Thoughts:

Jack Daniel’s offers a distinctive profile that might not appeal to every palate, especially neat.

However, its history, affordability, and mixability contribute to its global success.

If you’re curious about its unique character, consider trying it in a classic Jack & Coke or with a splash of water to explore its potential beyond the initial sip.

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel: Bananas, Caramel, and Beyond (A Sipping Upgrade)

• Nose: Banana, caramel, oak
• Palate: Vanilla, caramel, cherry, oak
• Finish: Medium length, cherry, caramel, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 94 proof (47% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks
• Similar to: Jim Beam Single Barrel

Craving a departure from the classic Jack? Dive into the unique world of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, where banana notes take center stage, offering a refined twist on the Tennessee whiskey experience.

First whiff:

• Bananas abound: Forget traditional bourbon aromas. Here, fruity banana takes the lead, joined by hints of caramel and subtle oak, creating an intriguing introduction.

On the tongue:

• Good body, not quite creamy: This Jack avoids the overly creamy texture sometimes associated with the brand. Instead, it boasts a satisfying fullness that carries the flavors well.
• Vanilla & caramel waltz: The initial sip dances with sweet vanilla and caramel, followed by a touch of unexpected cherry cough syrup and oak.

The farewell:

• Medium-length finish: Expect oak spice and char to linger, accompanied by notes of caramel and, yes, a hint of that distinct cough syrup.

Enjoyment neat or on the rocks?

• Warm & slightly spicy: Neat, it offers a pleasant warmth with a subtle burning sensation that’s still enjoyable for sipping.
• Smooth it out: Adding water or ice amplifies the caramel and oak flavors, creating a smoother experience.

What makes it special?

• Single barrel magic: Unlike the standard Jack, this whiskey comes from a single hand-picked barrel, ensuring unique character in every bottle.
• Higher proof, better texture: Bottled at a higher proof, it boasts a richer texture and fewer “off” notes compared to its classic counterpart.
• More refined expression: Overall, it delivers a more polished and well-rounded experience than the globally popular Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7.

So, raise a glass?

If you’re a Jack Daniel’s fan seeking a unique and slightly more sophisticated sipping experience, give the Single Barrel a try. Its banana twist, oaky presence, and smooth drinkability might just make it your new favorite dram.

What’s the difference between Jack Daniel’s No. 7 and Single Barrel Select?

They are the same whiskey but there are two main differences to know:

• The Single Barrel is drawn from a hand-picked single barrel as opposed to the No. 7 which is a blend of several barrels.

• The Single Barrel is bottled at a higher proof, meaning it suffers less water dilution; this provides more body and flavor to the whiskey.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7	$26
Gentleman Jack	$55