A Favourite Thing: Jack Daniels - making me drunk since 1998 (Jack Daniels No 7)

Member Name: ILoveJackDaniels

Product:	Jack Daniels No 7
Date:	11/07/02 (2133 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It tastes great, No rubbish Aftertaste, Unique

Disadvantages: My poor aching head

Believe it or not, I'm quite partial to the odd drop of Jack Daniels No. 7 from time to time, whether neat, on the rocks, or even (though very rarely) with coke. There's something addictive about this drink, that I can't quite put my finger on, though that may be because while trying to put my finger on what is so great about this drink, I'm normally drinking the stuff and incapable of rational thought.

Of course, JD has its downsides. As with all drinks, the possibility of stupidity setting in after a few glasses is always strong, and at 40% alcohol by volume, JD has been responsible for many an embarrassing situation. Top of the list has to be the "quiet drink" on a Saturday afternoon last summer that turned into several drinking contests, and what can only be described as the mother of all drinking sessions. My memory is hazy, to say the least, however waking up in the morning I found myself in a house I don't know, with people who I don't remember meeting, different clothes and about 10p to my name. I was also about 80 miles from home. I had to get my mum to pick me up, and have never been so red-faced in my life. I also got fired as a result - I'd woken up after work had finished......

Anyway, back to the whiskey. Dripped slowly through ten feet of charcoal, Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey is still brewed using the original recipe concocted by Jasper 'Jack' Daniel himself, way back in 1866. It is a combination of this unusual and unchanged process, combined with the spring water from the caves of Lynchberg, that give JD its unique, smooth flavour, and that has made it a worldwide favourite.

You may have noticed that I have referred to Jack Daniels as a whiskey (Whisky or Whiskey - both spellings are fine, in case you were wondering). It is a common misconception that JD is a bourbon, rather than a whiskey, however that is all it is, a misconception. Bourbon is a name for a specific type of
whiskey, brewed in Kentucky, however Jack Daniels is a Tennessee sour mash Whiskey - a different beast entirely.

There are about a million ways to drink JD, though I prefer it straight (no ice, mixers or anything else), and it is apparently great to cook with too, though I would never waste good whiskey on a meal. If you normally dislike whiskey, the chances are that JD is not for you. If, on the other hand, you are partial to the occasional drop of malt, I suggest you try JD, if you haven't already.

Describing the taste of a whiskey is a tricky business, but I'll try my best. The charcoal brewing process and oak barrels both have a very obvious effect on the drink. It has a subtle smokey flavour to it, and the vaguest hint of orange and oak. It is crisp, almost - a refreshing, warming drink as much as anything, and certainly lacks the bitter aftertaste that puts many off whiskeys.

I Love Jack Daniels, susprisingly. Everyone has a drink they can sup till the cows come home, and this is mine. It is unique, and that is as much a part of its appeal as its fantastic flavour.

I'll leave you with the words of Vivan Stanshal: "If I had all the money I've spent on drink, I'd go out and spend it on drink." and W.C. Fields: "I never drink water- look at the way it rusts pipes.", both of which always bring a big smile to my lips - the same as my favourite drink.




UPDATE: WOOHOO! It's my birthday today, and just after writing this my flatmate's given me a bottle of Jack Daniels. WOOOOOOOHOOOOOO!








"Jill Murphy asked me to write about one of my favorite things to help her celebrate her fourth anniversary of cancer-free living and to remind ourselves of all the nice things in the world. It takes more muscles to make a frown than a smile you know. If you'd like to join in, whether you've only just joined dooyoo, or you
've been here ages, you're more than welcome. Just write about one of YOUR favorite things, make your title "A Favorite Thing: [your choice]" and include this paragraph at the foot of your opinion. And post before Friday, 9th August."

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