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Proof has become a critical measure of appeal for many whiskey aficionados today. Unlike the traditionalists who prioritize age, a growing group of bourbon enthusiasts is more intrigued by the spirit’s ability to deliver a powerful, fiery taste. This trend has led many distilleries to introduce barrel-proof whiskeys which are sometimes humorously referred to as hazmat whiskeys for their high alcohol content, typically above 140 proof. In recent years, Jack Daniel’s Coy Hill release has epitomized such spirits, with last year’s version being so potent that production of a special cork was necessitated to secure it. Although this year’s expression isn’t as overwhelming, it still presents a formidable profile.

Coy Hill is a single-barrel whiskey, causing its proof to vary with each cask. The proof for this year’s release oscillates between 122 and 137.5, which, while still intense, offers a bit of a breather from the extreme alcohol intensity for some. This whiskey utilized Jack’s default recipe of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. It underwent the Lincoln County Process of charcoal mellowing and was barreled in September 2013. The barrels matured on the fifth and sixth floors of Coy Hill Barrelhouse 8, located in a dynamic weather area within the distillery grounds which contributes to the production of potent Tennessee whiskey. The master distiller, Chris Fletcher, expressed that this year’s output leverages the unique environmental conditions at Coy Hill Barrelhouse 8. Although it follows the Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey recipe, the distinct factors and nature’s influence have sculpted a whiskey that showcases an immense spectrum of flavors and proofs otherwise unattainable.

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The sample we were able to try clocked in at 134.7 proof, which for context is higher than most Booker’s releases, but not as strong as some recent barrel-proof whiskeys from A. Smith Bowman. There is no age statement, but according to Fletcher the whiskey is just three weeks shy of 11 years old (compared to about four to five years for Old No. 7). “There is purity and transparency in this type of release, but also the added wrinkle of allowing people to explore whiskey depending on where it’s at in a given barrelhouse,” said Fletcher on a recent Zoom call. Personally, I liked this whiskey better than the past Coy Hill releases, and not just because the lower proof is a bit more manageable. That banana and nut Jack Daniel’s character is still there, but there are notes of old leather, tobacco, dusty wood, barrel char, dark chocolate, and overripe stone fruit on the palate to liven things up. Add a bit of water if you prefer, and the flavor opens up even further.

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release Coy Hill Barrelhouse 8 is available now in limited numbers nationwide with an SRP of $80. Check your local liquor store to see if they have a bottle, and you can find the rest of the growing lineup from Jack Daniel’s available to purchase from websites like ReserveBar now.

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