Jack Daniels - Gentleman Jack: MINI

Nose: I get a lot of vanilla scents on this one. I think for the first time ever, I also got a whiff of bubble gum. Somewhat in the background, I also got a very light amount of circus peanuts (the orange candy kind). It is an interesting nose. Palate: This is very interesting. The first sip had nothing about it that reminded me of regular Jack Daniels, which I find to be a very distinctive taste (and not one of my favorites…..although I don’t hate it). I think this is another first, I got a strong flavor of peanuts out of this. It has a little bit smokiness as well. The mouthfeel is about medium, as is the finish. It is pretty smooth and doesn’t have much heat to speak of. It has “whiskey warming”, but it isn’t very prevalent and doesn’t last very long. The peanut flavor has an interesting way of turning into a bit of a peanut butter aftertaste. I enjoyed this and think it would be a nice slow sipper. The next time I have it, I’ll let it sit in the glass a bit longer to see what that does to it…..I suspect it will be even better. Comments: I have a very weird relationship with Jack Daniels. I’ve never been a huge fan of the regular product, but as stated earlier, I don’t hate it and can drink it if it is on a limited menu or the only thing I am offered. On the other hand, I have several different bottles of Single Barrel Jack Daniels, which I find to be COMPLETELY different than the regular Jack. And some were very well chosen and very tasty. Among my favorites are the barrel strength versions of the single barrels. Gentleman Jack is a whiskey I can honestly say I have not had in a very long time and this has convinced me that perhaps I have waited too long. I like peanuts and I like peanut butter, so it is not surprising that I would like this. Now, don’t get me wrong…..it isn’t a sweet or heavy peanut butter flavor like Screwball (which, I also like….differently, in a “guilty pleasure” way, and….in moderation). It is really just a “hint” of peanut/peanut butter. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I enjoyed it. I also think that its smoothness and lack of much heat would might it a good “intro” whiskey for guests who aren’t used to or think they don’t like whiskey. This Jack is 80 proof and a 750ml runs $29.99 at Total Wine. If you want to try a mini like this one, they have them for $2.99 (still cheaper than a shot in almost any bar). Gentleman Jack is a relatively new product (introduced in 1988 and “reintroduced in 1990). It used to be 90 proof and then 86 proof…..I think I would have enjoyed tasting it at those proofs, for I think they would have been better. Gentleman Jack is made by running regular Jack through a sugar maple charcoal filter a second time after it has matured in charred barrels. The mashbill is reported to be 80% corn, 8% rye and 12% malted barley.