Jack Daniel's Bonded [Tasted #583]

The Bottled in Bond Act was introduced in 1897 in the United States to guarantee that a bottle of whiskey the consumer was buying was really whiskey. So what does this involve? In order for a whiskey to be regarded as a "bonded whiskey", distillation must be completed by a single distiller during a single season, matured in a government bonded warehouse for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof.

While we have never doubted Jack Daniel's whiskies are true whiskies, Jack Daniel's latest release - Jack Daniel's Bonded is a release that has been produced in the true letter of the law. Not only has it been "Bottled-in-Bond" at 100 proof, per the bill but it has also been packaged similarly to the original design of the 1895 Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey bottle.

Jack Daniel's Bonded is also built on the same recipe of its flagship Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey. Based on a mash bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye and undergo a seven-day fermentation. The mash is distilled in copper column stills and filtered through 10-foot-long columns of charcoal, made out of Tennessee sugar maple wood.

Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller commented:

“The Jack Daniel Distillery has been making American whiskey to the highest standards for generations, before and after the Bottled in Bond Act, dating back to the days of Mr. Jack himself. Jack Daniel’s Bonded is a nod to our heritage with a touch of innovation and craftsmanship."

Bonded will be the first permanent expression in Jack Daniel's new Bonded Series. The Bonded Series will honour the whiskey-making excellence of the iconic Jack Daniel and will be a permanent extension in the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands.

Jack Daniel's Bonded (50% ABV, NAS, Tennessee, USA, A$87.99) 

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Big, bold and good quality Tennessee Whiskey at 100 proof with layered notes of sweet honey, raisins, dried fruit, rich oak, and spices giving way to a pleasantly smooth lingering spiced finish.

Nose: Fresh, floral, rich, vanilla, lemon, lime, and honey with an overlay of sandalwood and oak

Palate: Big, bold, with lots of grains and spices from nutmeg to cardamom followed by a cinnamon bun covered with honey and some raisins.

Finish: Long and smooth, spices remain for a long while.

Rating: 92/100 

Cheers
Hendy

Thanks to Adrian from Different and Jack Daniel for providing us with a sample to review.