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Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey. Tennessee, United States. ABV: 40%. Tasted in Qantas Business Class somewhere above the Nullarbor Plain.
Colour: Thin caramel.
Nose: Prickly ash, pine needles and fresh sawdust.
Palate: Very thin and cool on the palate. There’s a mouthfeel sensation that I would describe as being akin to spilling fuel on your hand – it just slips right off and cools as it quickly evaporates. Flavours quite light, tasting like you’ve grabbed a handful of mixed grains and nuts.
Finish: Slightly salty. Again the flavours are quite light; I got zesty lemon, fresh parsley and garlic. Like gremolata that you’d sprinkle on top of some osso bucco. Short to medium length.
Comments: Jack Daniels is such a mainstream whiskey that I’ve never actually gotten around to reviewing it. My approach has always been to choose the more unusual whisky from whichever bar I’m in, as you never know where or if you’ll come across that dram again. However, when stuck aboard a plane flying from one side of Australia to the other, there isn’t much choice. Luckily I left Jack up my sleeve to review this evening!
In business class though I’d expect a bit more effort on behalf of Qantas in putting together a half-decent spirits selection. Jack Daniels and Chivas Regal 12? In comparison to the Rockpool-inspired Neil Perry menu and quite decent wine list, the whisky options leave a lot to be desired.
Jack Daniels is not a bad drop when taken neat (which I’m sure is not how most of the millions of litres produced annually are consumed), but it’s certainly nothing spectacular or even great. It’s a simple, no fuss whiskey produced to appeal to the broadest possible market. Some might say it’s even a bit bland. Certainly when taken neat there’s nothing really dragging me back to the glass to eagerly take another sip.
Whilst I agree with your general view on this drop, in fairness to it you should probably give it a go at sea level as after all, one’s sense of smell and therefore taste is compromised at altitude.
This old sea dog would rather try many other good whiskies for the first time rather than going back to this drop at a different altitude!