Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Special Release 2020 Barrel Proof Rye is a landmark limited edition from the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and the bottling that announced Jack's serious arrival in the high proof rye world. Created to celebrate the early craftsmanship of the distillery and a time when American whiskey was often high in rye and offered at full barrel strength, it is bottled straight from a single barrel, uncut and unfiltered, at its natural cask proof. This release was built on Jack Daniel's rye recipe of 70 percent rye, 18 percent corn, and 12 percent malted barley, the brand's first new grain bill in roughly a century, using the same iconic cave spring water and proprietary yeast behind their 150 year old Tennessee whiskey, and mellowed through sugar maple charcoal in the signature Lincoln County Process before barreling. Aged in the upper reaches of the barrel houses where dramatic temperature swings accelerate maturation, the 2020 release comprised just 200 barrels, each bottled individually at barrel proof, with strengths across the release ranging from roughly 125 to 140 proof. As a single barrel, every bottle is unique. The bottle offered here is a robust 132.9 proof. Highly allocated and quickly sold out on release, it commanded strong secondary demand and remains a prized pour for collectors. Despite the towering strength, it is renowned for drinking with remarkable smoothness, the charcoal mellowing taming the rye spice with sweet brown sugar, mint, and vanilla. Enjoy it neat to experience the full barrel character, or add a few drops of water to open it up. A genuine collector's rye and a high point of the Jack Daniel's lineup.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee |
| Category |
Tennessee Rye Whiskey |
| Expression |
Single Barrel Special Release 2020, Barrel Proof, Limited Edition |
| Mashbill |
70% Rye, 18% Corn, 12% Malted Barley |
| Age |
Approximately 5 to 6 Years (distilled January 2015) |
| Maturation |
New Charred American Oak, Lincoln County Process charcoal mellowed |
| ABV |
66.45% |
| Proof |
132.9 (this barrel; release ranged 125 to 140) |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber to dark russet.
Nose: Surprisingly bourbon like and dessert forward, with banana, brown sugar, french toast, vanilla, and a lift of lemon zest, very little ethanol for the proof.
Palate: Thick and creamy, flooding the palate with brown sugar sweetness, cool mint, and peppy rye spice held in check by the signature Jack mellowing.
Finish: Long and warm, with lingering mint, cinnamon, leather, cigar box, and barrel stave.
FAQ
What proof is this bottle? This single barrel is bottled at 132.9 proof, or 66.45 percent ABV. Because it is a single barrel barrel proof release, proof varies from barrel to barrel across the 2020 release, generally between 125 and 140 proof. Always confirm the figure on your specific bottle.
What is the mashbill? It uses Jack Daniel's rye recipe of 70 percent rye, 18 percent corn, and 12 percent malted barley, the brand's first new grain bill in around a hundred years.
How rare is it? The 2020 Special Release comprised only 200 barrels, was highly allocated, and sold out quickly. It is a sought after collector's bottle with strong secondary demand.
Is it really a rye if it tastes like bourbon? It is a genuine high rye whiskey, but the charcoal mellowing and sweet Jack Daniel's character give it a rounder, more bourbon like profile than many spicy ryes.
How should I drink it? Neat to appreciate the full barrel strength, or with a few drops of water to soften the heat and release more flavor.
Where can I buy Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
