Jack - A Man's New Best Friend ! (Jack Daniels No 7)

Member Name: SRowlands

Product:	Jack Daniels No 7
Date:	14/12/05 (699 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A fine whiskey which is still distilled in a tradional way

Disadvantages: Absolutely none . . . if it is treated with respect ! ! !

In September of 1850, a baby boy was born who was to have a huge impact on the future of the alcoholic drinks industry and, in particular, the whiskey* industry.
That baby boy was named Jack Daniel.

At the tender age of just thirteen, he bought his first distillery having already learnt the distillation process of making fine whiskey. Like many other whiskey makers, Jack believed that the best way of producing whiskey was allow it to mellow through maple charcoal - the process which is still used to this day.

In 1911, Jack Daniel died from blood poisoning which had been brought on from an infected toe. The distillery was passed on to his nephew, Lem Motlow, who has maintained Jack's high standards and traditional distillation process.

Onto the drink itself. Jack Daniel's "Old No. 7 Brand" Tennessee Whiskey is available in 5cl, 35cl or 70cl bottles in the UK, and 1 litre bottles on overseas travel such as ferries and planes.
The bottle is a traditional square shape, with black and white labels. The square design makes the bottle easier to hold, and easier to store in large quantities by creating less wasted space.
The alcohol content is 40% by volume, and this is the same worldwide, as all Jack Daniel's whiskey is distilled and bottled only in Tennessee.

Upon opening the bottle, you are greeted with a warm, mellow whiskey aroma that welcomes you. It's like walking in from the snow into a warm log cabin with a roaring fire - a warm, comfortable secure feeling engulfs you.

The Jack should be poured into a whiskey tumbler, preferably with a rim wider than the base of the glass. There is actually a good reason for this - it's to allow you to savor the full aroma whilst drinking. It should never be drunk straight from the bottle - this is only done by drunks on television and in movies (and I must confess, by me on a couple of occasions!!).
As you pour the drink, you will become aware of the quite distinct amber colour. This colouration occurs naturally during the aging process, which takes place in traditional oak barrels.

As to what should be in the glass, this is debatable. Whiskey connoisseurs say that in order to appreciate the flavour, it should be drank neat (or straight), over ice or, if you must mix it, with pure still spring water. This is actually the way that I prefer it. The Jack leaves a warm, almost burning sensation as it passes over the taste buds, down the throat and into the stomach.
As for the taste, it tastes quite sweet and mellow, slightly "smokey", with a slight kick to it - although it can be quite an acquired flavour. As the drink slides down, you can appreciate the quality and lengthy distillation process, and you know that this is well worth the money.
Some people also drink Jack Daniels with coke. I have tried this, and it is very enjoyable - particularly if you want to drink the whiskey more social ably - however the coke does lessen the full flavour of the drink.

The drink leaves a mild flavour in your mouth for a short time, but this is in no way unpleasant. What may be of bigger concern is that JD does remain on your breath for quite some time. If you have a partner who does not like whiskey, I'd recommend not having a glass just before going to bed !

On all advertising, and throughout all publicity materials, you are reminded to drink Jack Daniels responsibly. Take heed of this advice. Jack Daniels needs to be treated with respect - a few glasses, small sips at a time.
Fortunately, I've never had a hangover from Jack Daniels, but I have been informed (by many sources) that it is one of the worst alcoholic hangovers you can get. Many people that have over indulged now can't even bear to smell the drink, let alone consume any - which is a real shame.

Jack Daniel's can also be used in cooking and the creation of sauces and dips. A particular favorite is to use Jack as a glaze on steaks, or as a marinade for meat for the bar-be-que.
It can also be used in a number of cocktails, but as I've mentioned above, I prefer mine neat or with ice.

Jack Daniels is more than just a drink. With the danger sounding like an alcoholic, it is also like a friend. In most places, you can ask for it simply by requesting a "Jack". Also there is a community feeling surrounding JD - the website and emails, for example, refer to you by your first name. It has a very informal feel about the whole image - rather than formal terms like "contact us", they use terms such as "drop us a line".
This is backed up with the hugely successful advertising campaigns which are simple (often black and white), but very effective and, once again, socially responsible.

Costing around £8.99 for a 35cl bottle, or around £14.99 for a 70cl bottle, Jack Daniels is not cheap. However a drink of this quality is worth paying a bit extra for. Having tasted cheaper whiskeys (and indeed some more expensive ones), I can definitely confirm that JD is one of the best around, and is certainly my favourite.
Jack Daniel's is also available in most pubs, however you can expect to pay anything up to £3.00 a shot - which is very expensive.

Move over dogs... "Jack" is Man's new best friend ! You don't have to take it "walkies", you don't have to clean up after it and there are no expensive vetinary fees to pay !!!



For more information on Jack Daniels, check out the official website at www.jackdaniels.com. There is loads of interesting information, including a virtual tour, screen savers and wallpaper.



*Disclaimer - I originally wrote and published this review on Ciao.co.uk, under the same username, but have transferred it to dooyoo.co.uk.

Summary: A traditional Tennessee Whiskey - still made the traditional way.