Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt is Now Available Nationally
It wasn’t that long ago that American single malt wasn’t a legally recognized category, despite the fact that it was being made by distilleries for decades, mostly in the craft world. That all change when the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) made it official about a year and a half ago. Major whiskey brands started releasing their own versions before that, including Jack Daniel’s which announced this week that its version will now be available on a national level.
The current rules for American single malt are as follows: the whiskey must be mashed, distilled, and aged in the U.S. at one distillery from a mash of 100 percent malted barley; stored in oak barrels (used, un-charred new, or charred new) with a maximum capacity of 700 liters; and bottled at not less than 80 proof. Caramel coloring is allowed as long as it’s disclosed on the label. Jack Daniel’s released its first single malt in 2022, a couple of years before the category was ratified, called Twice Barreled Special Release American Single Malt Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks. Indeed, that whiskey was finished for two years in sherry butts.
Jack’s regular American single-malt expression joined the lineup the following year, but it was only available at as a global travel retail exclusive. That 90-proof Tennessee whiskey, which undergoes the Lincoln County process during which it’s filtered through charcoal before barreling, was aged for three years in sherry casks after initial maturation (really more of a secondary maturation than a finish). This new whiskey is similar to that duty free shop release, spending four years in new charred oak and then two to three years in sherry casks, only it’s now available at specialty retailers around the country in a one-liter bottle.
“At Jack Daniel’s, we strive to be at the forefront of creativity and experimentalism when it comes to crafting great whiskey, and helping lead the way as American single malt becomes an officially recognized whiskey category is an incredible milestone for the distillery,” said master distiller Chris Fletcher in a statement. “We’ve seen a fantastic response from international travelers in recent years, and we’re now thrilled to bring this special whiskey to friends across the country.” Official tasting notes describe notes of dark chocolate, nuts, berries, and a subtle sweetness on the palate.
While Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt is now a national release (SRP $75), it’s only available for a limited time and in limited numbers, according to a rep for the brand (and it’s still available at global travel retail). Look for it at your local liquor store starting next month if you want to try it for yourself.
