Jack Daniel’s vs Red Label

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:03 pm

Discover the differences between Jack Daniel’s vs Johnnie Walker Red Label in this in-depth comparison and decide which 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 vs Johnnie Walker Red Label: Comparison

Jack Daniel’s No. 7: Features a distinct banana and oak profile, with a thin body and bitter finish. Best enjoyed in cocktails where its unique flavors can complement the mix.

Johnnie Walker Red Label: Offers a peppery and leathery experience, with a strong spice character and a short finish. Finds its strength in highball cocktails, where its boldness is balanced.

Verdict: Jack Daniel’s No. 7 and Johnnie Walker Red Label both present challenging profiles neat but shine in mixed drinks. Jack Daniel’s suits those who favor unique, sweet undertones, while Johnnie Walker appeals to those who appreciate a spicy kick, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Whiskeys Similar to Jack Daniels No. 7

Jack Daniel’s No. 7: A Mixed Bag, Best Suited for the Cocktail Circuit

• 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: Coca-Cola
• Similar to: Chivas Regal

Jack Daniel’s No. 7 holds a prominent place in American whiskey history, but let’s be honest, it’s not for everyone. Its unique flavor profile can be polarizing, offering a distinct experience that might not resonate with all palates.

Aromatic Intrigue (or Confusion?):

The first encounter is undoubtedly intriguing. The aroma throws you a curveball with a prominent synthetic banana scent. While some find it playful, others might find it off-putting. Hints of brown sugar and oak try to offer balance, but a whisper of wood polish lingers in the background.

Thin Body, Sharp Sting:

The body feels disappointingly thin on the palate, lacking the richness and texture found in other whiskeys. While a touch of sweetness starts the journey, it’s quickly overpowered by the dominant oak char bitterness. This bitterness takes over the flavor experience, leaving an astringent and almost harsh impression.

Short & Spicy Finish:

The finish doesn’t offer much reprieve. It’s fleeting, dominated by a hot and peppery sensation. While some citrus notes attempt to peek through, they’re overshadowed by an unusual “Gorilla Glue” aftertaste.

Cocktails: Where Jack Shines:

Despite its limitations as a neat sipper, Jack Daniel’s No. 7 finds its redemption in the world of cocktails. Mixing it with cola or ginger ale helps tame the harshness, transforming it into a more enjoyable and refreshing drink. It blends well with Caribbean rums, adding a unique twist to classic cocktails.

The Verdict: Know Your Audience:

So, is Jack Daniel’s No. 7 “good”? That depends entirely on your preferences:

• Do you enjoy intense oak char and bold flavors?
• Are you looking for a smooth and easy-drinking experience?
• Do you primarily plan to use whiskey in cocktails?

If you crave a smooth sipper, Jack Daniel’s No. 7 might not be your best bet. However, if you’re open to bold flavors or enjoy experimenting in cocktails, it’s worth a try, especially considering its affordability.

Johnnie Walker Red Label: Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea (or Scotch)

• Nose: Black pepper, leather, nail polish
• Palate: Pepper, caramel, oak spice, leather, tobacco
• Finish: Short, black pepper
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Highball
• Similar to: Dewar’s

Johnnie Walker Red Label holds a legendary status in the world of whisky, but let’s be honest – it’s not for everyone. This blend can be a bit of a wild ride, both for the nose and the palate, offering a flavor profile that might not align with every preference.

Aromatic Adventures:

Prepare for a bold first impression. The aroma hits you with a strong wave of spice, almost peppery in its intensity. Then comes a leathery note, reminiscent of a well-worn armchair, and a slight hint of acetone. It’s an initial punch that might leave you surprised, but don’t dismiss it just yet.

Thin Body, Spicy Bite:

The first sip takes the intensity up a notch. The body feels thin, lacking the richness of some other scotches. The main character? Pepper, pepper, and more pepper, joined by a warming booziness. If you’re sensitive to heat, this might not be your friend. However, there are glimpses of sweetness – butterscotch and a touch of tobacco – trying to peek through the spice.

Short & Fading Finish:

The finish doesn’t offer much solace. It’s short, warm, and dominated by lingering pepper, leaving an aftertaste that might not be the most pleasant.

Mixing Might Be the Answer:

If the Red Label’s bold personality isn’t quite your style neat, fear not! It does redeem itself somewhat in cocktails. Mixing it with ginger ale in a highball helps tame the heat and spice, making it a more approachable option.

The Verdict: An Affordable Option, But Not for Everyone:

Johnnie Walker Red Label has its place in the world, primarily due to its affordability. It’s a gateway blend for many, introducing newcomers to the world of whisky. However, its strong spice and thin body might not be ideal for everyone.

Before reaching for the Red Label, consider your preferences:

• Do you enjoy bold, spicy flavors?
• Do you prioritize smoothness and richness?
• Are you planning to mix your whisky or sip it neat?

If you crave a smooth sipper, there are definitely better options out there. But if you’re on a budget and open to experimenting with bold flavors, the Red Label might be worth a try, especially in a cocktail.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Jack Daniel’s	$26
Johnnie Walker Red Label	$29

How do they differ?

There are a few differences between these whiskeys that you should know:

• Jack Daniel’s is not a bourbon but a Tennessee Whiskey made from 80% corn, 12% barley, and 8% rye. The high corn content makes the whiskey sweet.

• Red Label is a blend of 35-grain and malt whiskies crafted in several distilleries across Scotland with no age statement.