Jack Daniel's No. 7 is indeed a whiskey. But not just any whiskey – it is a Tennessee whiskey. What sets Tennessee whiskey apart from other types of whiskey is the charcoal filtering process it undergoes, known as the Lincoln County Process.
The story of Jack Daniel's No. 7 begins with its founder, Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel. In 1887, Jack decided to name his whiskey No. 7, but the reason behind this choice remains somewhat of a mystery. There are several theories floating around, each with its own charm and intrigue.
One theory suggests that Jack Daniel named his whiskey No. 7 to honor his seven girlfriends. This tale adds a romantic touch to the brand, implying that each girlfriend had a unique influence on the whiskey's flavor profile. While it's an entertaining theory, there isn't any concrete evidence to support it.
Another theory proposes that No. 7 was the seventh recipe Jack Daniel tried before finding the perfect one. This notion suggests that Jack was a dedicated perfectionist, tirelessly experimenting with different recipes until he achieved the exceptional flavor that defines Jack Daniel's No. 7. This theory highlights Jack's dedication to his craft and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
However, one of the most plausible explanations for the Old No. 7 brand lies in the story of the missing seven barrels. Legend has it that one day, Jack Daniel arrived at the distillery only to find that seven barrels of his prized whiskey had vanished. Rather than be discouraged or distraught, he simply said, “Out of the seven barrels, we'll make it the best whiskey in the world.” This incident led to the introduction of Jack Daniel's Old No. 7, a whiskey that has since become iconic and beloved by whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.
The exact truth behind the No. 7 remains a mystery, but what is clear is the enduring legacy and quality of Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey. As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting and experiencing the depth and richness of Jack Daniel's No. 7 firsthand.
The distinct flavor profile of Jack Daniel's No. 7 is characterized by its smoothness, complexity, and notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It is a whiskey that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or the Whiskey Sour.
What sets Jack Daniel's No. 7 apart from other whiskeys is not only its unique history but also the meticulous production process. The whiskey is made from a mash bill of predominantly corn, along with rye and malted barley. It is then fermented, distilled, and matured in new, charred oak barrels, allowing the flavors to develop and harmonize over time.
One crucial step in the production of Jack Daniel's No. 7 is the charcoal filtering process, also known as the Lincoln County Process. This involves dripping the newly distilled whiskey through a layer of charcoal made from sugar maple wood. This filtration process imparts additional smoothness and mellowness to the whiskey, making it a hallmark of Tennessee whiskey.
Jack Daniel's No. 7 is indeed a whiskey – a Tennessee whiskey with a rich history, intriguing legends, and a distinct flavor profile. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, it continues to captivate whiskey enthusiasts around the world with its smoothness, complexity, and timeless appeal.