As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer about the oldest aged Jack Daniel's. While Jack Daniel's is primarily known for its iconic Old No. 7, they do have other expressions with longer aging periods.
One such expression is the Jack Daniel's 12-Year-Old, which is bottled at 107 proof, significantly higher than the minimum 80 proof of Old No. 7. This 12-year-old whiskey is a special release that showcases the extended aging process and the additional complexity it brings to the flavor profile.
Aging whiskey is a delicate balance between time and flavor development. The longer a whiskey ages in oak barrels, the more it absorbs from the wood, gaining depth, character, and complexity. However, there is a point where the oak influence can overpower the other flavors and create an “oak bomb,” as you mentioned.
Jack Daniel's takes great care in selecting the barrels for their aged expressions. The wood used for their barrels is carefully chosen, and the whiskey is aged in the unique climate of Lynchburg, Tennessee. These factors contribute to the development of the distinct flavor profile that Jack Daniel's is known for.
While the 12-Year-Old expression is currently the oldest aged Jack Daniel's available, it's important to note that the aging process is not solely determined by time. The flavor profile is the ultimate criteria for release. If a future 15-year-old Jack Daniel's were to turn out to be too dominated by oak, it would not be released.
It's fascinating to see how the aging process can transform a spirit and bring out new and complex flavors. As a sommelier, I have had the opportunity to taste and appreciate a variety of aged spirits, including whiskeys. The nuances that come with extended aging can be truly remarkable.
While the Jack Daniel's 12-Year-Old is currently the oldest aged expression available, the focus is always on flavor. The aging process is carefully monitored to ensure that the whiskey maintains its balanced and distinctive profile. So, if a future older expression meets the flavor criteria, we may see an even older aged Jack Daniel's in the future.