Jack Daniel's Rare New Whiskey Takes Inspiration From Our Favorite Scotch Brands

Some of the world’s best whiskies are finished in sherry barrels from southern Spain. Most famously, Scotch distilleries like Macallan, Ardbeg, Bunnahabhain, Glendronach, and so many more choose to mature their spirits in such casks for the extra flavors they lend to the final product. The success of these longtime whisky makers has led distilleries across the globe to experiment with sherry barrels. Jack Daniel’s joins the parade most recently with its latest addition to their Distillery Series, Selection #12

Available exclusively in Tennessee in limited quantities, Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Selection #12 features the brand’s classic mash bill of 80 percent corn, 12 percent malted barley, and eight percent rye. It's then charcoal mellowed before entering into new, charred American white oak barrels for five and a half to six years before finishing for three years in oloroso sherry casks, which tend to impart oak and fruit flavors and aromas.

“We first used oloroso sherry casks with our American Single Malt, and it was only natural to continue experimenting with them,” says Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s master distiller. “What resulted was something completely unique that further elevates the complexity of Old No. 7 but maintains a balanced profile.”

Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Selection #12 offers aromas of sweet citrus. The palate finds flavors of rich baking spices, nutmeg, and caramel, leading to a lingering finish filled with red fruits. Bottled at 45 percent ABV, it's available at select stores in Tennessee and at the White Rabbit Bottle Shop at the Jack Daniel Distillery in 375ml bottles for a suggested retail price of $42.

Related: Jack Daniel's No. 11: A Tequila-Finished Bourbon Worth Drinking