Let me tell you about my recent experience with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey. As someone who enjoys trying different whiskeys, I wanted to see what all the buzz was about with this popular honey-infused option that’s been on the market since 2011.
Quick Rating Overview
| Category | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Aroma | 4.5 |
| Taste | 4.2 |
| Mixability | 4.8 |
| Value | 4.3 |
| Overall | 4.5 |
What’s in the Bottle?
At its core, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey starts with the classic Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey. If you’re wondering about the foundation, it’s important to know that this isn’t a bourbon, but a Tennessee whiskey that goes through the Lincoln County Process. This means the whiskey is filtered through ten feet of sugar maple charcoal before aging in handcrafted oak barrels, giving it that signature smoothness we all recognize.
What makes this version special is the addition of a proprietary honey liqueur made with real honey. The final product comes in at 35% ABV (70 proof), making it a bit gentler than the original Jack Daniel’s. You can find it in various sizes from tiny 50ml bottles all the way up to party-ready 1.75L bottles.
How Does It Taste?
The aroma hit me first – sweet honey mixed with vanilla and caramel notes. I could still detect those classic Jack banana and caramel scents underneath the sweetness. Some reviews mention picking up floral undertones and earthiness, and I noticed those subtle complexities too.
Taking my first sip, I found a nice blend of rich honey, vanilla, and toasted oak flavors. The finish was warming with a lingering sweetness balanced by subtle whiskey notes. Some people find hints of cinnamon, dark chocolate, and even candied lemon in the mix.
I should mention that opinions on the sweetness level vary widely. Some find it perfectly balanced, while others think it’s too sweet. If you typically enjoy sweeter drinks, you’ll probably love this. If you prefer your whiskey straight and traditional, this might not be your thing. For comparison, you might want to check out Gentleman Jack for a smoother but less sweet option from the same distillery.
Ways to Enjoy It
I tried Jack Honey several ways to find what works best:
- Neat or on the rocks – It’s surprisingly smooth served chilled
- With lemonade – This might be the most popular mix, creating a sweet-tart combination
- With ginger beer – Creates a nice alternative to a traditional whiskey and ginger
- With cola or iced tea – Both make for easy, refreshing drinks
If you’re feeling creative, there are tons of cocktail recipes out there. The Honey Whiskey Sour (with lemon juice and simple syrup) was my personal favorite.
Interestingly, some people even use it in cooking – I’ve heard it makes an amazing BBQ glaze for chicken!
How Does It Compare?
Head-to-Head: Jack Honey vs Wild Turkey American Honey
The main competitor that comes up in conversations is Wild Turkey American Honey. Let’s break down how they compare:
| Feature | Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey | Wild Turkey American Honey |
|---|---|---|
| Base Spirit | Tennessee Whiskey (charcoal mellowed) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon |
| ABV | 35% (70 proof) | 35.5% (71 proof) |
| Flavor Profile | Smoother with pronounced vanilla notes | Bolder, spicier bourbon character |
| Sweetness Level | Medium-high | Medium |
| Price Range | £18-28 (750ml) | £16-25 (750ml) |
| Best For | Mixed drinks, chilled shots | Sipping, simple mixers |
In my experience, Jack Honey has a smoother, more refined sweetness, while Wild Turkey American Honey retains more of its bourbon backbone with a slightly spicier finish. The Jack Daniel’s charcoal mellowing process creates a distinctly different base character than Wild Turkey’s more traditional bourbon foundation.
There are plenty of other honey whiskeys on the market now, but Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey seems to benefit from the strong brand recognition and quality associated with the Jack Daniel’s name.
If you’re interested in exploring other types of flavored whiskeys, you might want to check out the best Japanese whiskey options for something completely different, or perhaps some best sipping bourbons for a more traditional American experience.
What Others Are Saying
The general consensus seems positive based on ratings across various platforms:
- Most sites show average ratings of 4.5-4.8 out of 5 stars
- Words like “smooth,” “good taste,” and “great honey flavor” come up repeatedly
- Many find it excellent in cocktails
- Some say it’s a good entry point for people new to whiskey
For beginners especially, this could be a gateway into the world of whiskey. If you’re just starting your whiskey journey, you might also be interested in checking out a guide to what does Jack Daniel’s taste like to understand the base flavor profile before the honey is added.
Where to Find It and What It Costs
The good news is that Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey is widely available both online and in physical stores. In the US, a standard 750ml bottle typically ranges from about $18 to $28, while in the UK prices run from roughly £28.99 to £39.99.
My Final Thoughts
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey offers an interesting twist on the classic Jack Daniel’s formula. It’s sweet, smooth, and versatile enough to enjoy in multiple ways. Whether you’re sipping it neat, mixing it in a simple highball, or crafting more complex cocktails, it provides a pleasant experience especially for those who find traditional whiskey too harsh.
For whiskey enthusiasts looking to branch out, this might not replace your best bourbon under $100, but it certainly has its place as an approachable, mixable option for casual enjoyment.
Product Evolution
Since its launch in 2011, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey has maintained a consistent flavor profile that fans have come to rely on. Its success actually paved the way for other flavored extensions in the Jack Daniel’s family:
- Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire (cinnamon-flavored) – launched in 2015
- Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple (apple-flavored) – launched in 2019
- Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Cider (limited seasonal releases)
While these other flavors have found their audiences, Tennessee Honey remains the most popular flavored variant in the lineup, consistently performing well in the flavored whiskey category.
Best For…
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey is particularly suited for:
- Casual whiskey drinkers looking for an approachable option
- Cocktail enthusiasts who want a versatile flavored spirit
- Summer gatherings where refreshing drinks are preferred
- Anyone who enjoys sweeter spirits but still wants whiskey character
Food Pairings
I’ve found Jack Honey pairs surprisingly well with:
- BBQ meats (especially when used in the sauce!)
- Pecan or apple pie
- Dark chocolate desserts
- Cheese boards featuring blue cheese or aged cheddar
- Spicy foods that benefit from sweet contrast
Try These Next
If you enjoy Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, you might also like:
- Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey for another dessert-like option
- Crown Royal Apple for a crisp, fruit-forward alternative
- Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon if you want to move toward more traditional whiskey
- Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond for a step up in whiskey exploration
Where to Buy
You can purchase Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey at most liquor stores, or online through:
Have you tried Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey? What’s your favorite way to drink it? Rate this review and let me know in the comments below!
[Rate this review: ★★★★★]
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