In a recent discussion, we mentioned that Jack Daniel’s previous release of rye whiskey fell short of expectations due to an undeserved toasted oak barrel finish. However, there is good news on the Tennessee rye whiskey front this week – the unveiling of the new Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye Whiskey. Allow us to provide you with all the details.

First and foremost, let us refresh your memory on what the bottled-in-bond designation entails. This certification guarantees that the whiskey is produced by a single distiller and within one distilling season. Additionally, the whiskey must be at least four years old and bottled at precisely 100 proof.

In 2022, Jack Daniel’s introduced two bonded whiskeys. The first is a Tennessee whiskey, essentially a higher proof version of their well-known Old No. 7. The second, called Triple Mash, is a blend of bottled-in-bond rye, Tennessee, and malt whiskeys. By law, rye whiskey must have a mash bill containing a minimum of 51 percent rye.

Jack Daniel’s initially released a rye in 2017, featuring a mash bill consisting of 70 percent rye, 18 percent corn, and 12 percent malted barley – a higher rye content than many Kentucky rye whiskeys but lower than the 95 percent rye sourced from MGP in Indiana by various brands. The bonded rye was the foundational whiskey in the Triple Mash blend, as stated by master distiller Chris Fletcher. However, it is now being showcased independently for the first time.

Fletcher emphasized the importance of the Bottled-in-Bond designation during a recent Zoom call. He expressed his belief that it holds more significance now than ever before, as it confirms that the whiskey is solely derived from Jack Daniel’s. This inauguration release of Bonded Rye was distilled in the spring of 2016, aged for approximately seven years in new charred oak barrels, and underwent the charcoal filtration process known as the Lincoln County process, which defines Tennessee whiskey. The outcome is a beautifully balanced rye with notes of spice, fruit, vanilla, and oak. While it preserves hints of Jack Daniel’s classic banana bread and apple cake flavors (attributable to the consistent use of the same yeast strain across their whiskeys), it is notably less sweet than Old No. 7, as expected from a rye.

With its 100 proof strength, Bonded Rye is an excellent choice for classic rye whiskey cocktails. Its robust character can effortlessly complement other ingredients. Fletcher mentioned that this was indeed a deliberate factor behind the release.

Another noteworthy aspect is that the regular Jack Daniel’s rye whiskey will be phased out and replaced by the Bottled-in-Bond version going forward. If you wish to make a comparison, now would be the perfect time to grab a bottle. Fletcher hinted at the possibility of introducing more expressions to the Bottled-in-Bond lineup in the future, but only time will tell.

If you’re eager to experience the new Bonded Rye, it is currently available for purchase online from retailers such as Total Wine.

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