Gentleman Jack Whiskey is a Tennessee spirit created by Jack Daniel Distillery in 1988. The whiskey goes through two charcoal mellowing processes, making it notably smooth. The process starts with the classic Jack Daniel’s recipe of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. It has clear notes of caramel and vanilla, with a balanced oak taste. The double-mellowing method sets it apart from other Jack Daniel’s products, though some believe this makes it less complex than its siblings.
In this Gentleman Jack Whiskey Review
Production Process
Gentleman Jack uses the same classic Jack Daniel’s recipe as Old No. 7, combining 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. Like all Jack Daniel’s whiskeys, it goes through the signature Lincoln County Process, where it filters slowly through ten feet of sugar maple charcoal before aging in new charred oak barrels. What makes Gentleman Jack special is the second charcoal mellowing after aging.
This second mellowing uses fresh charcoal, making sure the whiskey is “double blessed” for ultimate smoothness. This method takes out any remaining impurities, cuts down on oakiness, and makes the whiskey even smoother and sweeter. It’s bottled at 40% ABV, the minimum allowed strength, which adds to its smooth character. The whiskey ages on the lower levels of the barrelhouse, like Green Label whiskey, which might affect its final taste.
It’s worth noting that while the double filtration makes Gentleman Jack smoother, it might also reduce some of the depth and excitement that some whiskey drinkers want. This shows the careful balance between smoothness and character in whiskey making.
Taste Profile
Gentleman Jack offers a balanced oak taste with clear notes of caramel and vanilla. The double mellowing creates its notably smooth character, making it easy to appreciate for both experienced whiskey enthusiasts and newcomers. People who review it often mention a subtle sweetness, a clean finish, and flavors that include maple syrup with fruit and vanilla spice.
Some more specific tasting notes include:
- Nose: Think of ripe bananas mixing with warm caramel, plus hints of oak and vanilla that add depth. You might also notice subtle summer fruit notes, creating a welcoming scent.
- Palate: A mellow and sweet feeling comes first, with banana and walnut flavors mixing with caramel and vanilla sweetness. A hint of chocolate brings a creamy richness to the experience.
- Finish: The ending is short and clean, leaving a gentle warmth with hints of fruit and clove. A subtle dryness stays briefly, making you want another sip.
Where to Buy
Gentleman Jack is easy to find throughout the United States and internationally. Most liquor stores carry it, and you can buy it online through Amazon and some supermarkets. In Coventry, England, you can get it from online sellers like Amazon and Tesco, plus specialty whiskey shops like Robbie’s Whisky Merchants. Because of the extra filtration step, it costs a bit more than Old No. 7.
Retailer Prices and Delivery:
- Amazon UK: £20.00 – Standard delivery, next-day delivery
- Tesco: Varies – Home delivery, pickup at store
- Robbie’s Whisky Merchants: £35.99 – Standard delivery
Expert Reviews
Whiskey review websites share helpful insights about Gentleman Jack’s qualities and how it compares to other whiskeys:
The Whiskey Wash: Writers here point out the banana scent, saying it reminds them of banana Laffy Taffy. They also mention the mellow and sweet taste, with a silky feel and flavors of banana, walnut, and chocolate.
Breaking Bourbon: They say Gentleman Jack shows “perfect balance of vanilla, caramel, and oak” with a sweet and easy-drinking style. They think people who like low-proof bourbons, such as Basil Hayden’s, might particularly enjoy it.
Public Opinion
Most reviews of Gentleman Jack are positive, especially regarding its smoothness and approachability. Many recommend it as a first whiskey for those new to the spirit. Former master distiller Jeff Arnett even suggested Gentleman Jack as an ideal “first whiskey” to bring people into the Jack Daniel’s family.
Some whiskey enthusiasts, however, find Gentleman Jack lacks complexity compared to other Jack Daniel’s offerings. They suggest that the double charcoal mellowing, while making a smooth whiskey, might take away some of the unique character found in other Jack Daniel’s products.
Good Points:
- Exceptionally smooth from double mellowing
- Easy to drink and enjoy
- Balanced taste with caramel and vanilla notes
- Widely available
Areas of Criticism:
- Might not be as complex as other whiskeys
- Some think the charcoal filtering removes too much character
Awards and Recognition
The bottle design has earned recognition. In 2007, the updated Gentleman Jack bottle won the Overall Package Design award at the Clear Choice Awards. The judges liked the bottle’s slimmer shape, broader sloping shoulders, and clear display of the whiskey’s amber color.
Making Cocktails
Gentleman Jack’s smooth and approachable character makes it work well in cocktails. Its balanced taste shines in classic drinks like the Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour, while its subtle sweetness works nicely with fruit juices and other mixers. Popular Gentleman Jack cocktails include:
- Gentleman Jack Sour: A refined take on the whiskey sour
- Whiskey Sling: A refreshing mix of whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange bitters
- Charred Blood Orange Whiskey Sour: A flavorful version of the Whiskey Sour using blood orange juice
To Sum Up
Gentleman Jack stands out as a smooth and approachable Tennessee whiskey, thanks to its unique double-mellowing process. While it may not be the most complex whiskey available, its balanced taste and easy-drinking nature make it popular with both casual drinkers and whiskey enthusiasts. Whether you drink it neat, with ice, or in a cocktail, Gentleman Jack offers a refined and enjoyable whiskey experience.
Its smoothness and approachability have made it a starting point for many, bringing them into Tennessee whiskey and the Jack Daniel’s tradition. Speaking of Jack Daniel’s history, here’s an interesting detail: Jack Daniel once broke his toe kicking his safe in frustration when he couldn’t open it. This story adds a personal touch to this iconic brand. Gentleman Jack, connected to this rich history and focused on smoothness, remains a popular choice for whiskey drinkers worldwide.
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