Jack Daniel's Gold No 27

Overview
Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold Tennessee Whiskey represents an innovative secondary barrel finishing approach for the brand, using custom maple wood barrels to impart subtle sweetness following initial maturation. Developed under former Master Distiller Jeff Arnett, the "No. 27" designation highlights the second barrel in its process, drawing inspiration from Brown-Forman siblings like Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
The whiskey undergoes initial maturation in oak barrels for 4-5 years, followed by Lincoln County Process re-filtering through sugar maple charcoal. It is then proofed to 100 proof before entering custom maple wood finishing barrels for 6-12 months, and finally reduced to 80 proof for bottling. Rumors of discontinuation have circulated since 2021, though it remains available in select markets in 750ml or 700ml sizes at $100-130 MSRP. Packaging features a distinctive gold box reminiscent of the Sinatra Select edition.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Subtle maple-derived sweetness layered over classic Jack Daniel's charcoal notes.
• Palate: Maple influences add gentle sweetness, balanced by oak from primary maturation, though the 80-proof bottling mutes intensity and complexity.
• Finish: Soft and lingering with faint caramel, limited by lower proof.

Notable details

• Production: Double maturation with sugar maple charcoal filtering; non-chill filtered status unconfirmed.
• Lineage: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey tradition, expanded via barrel innovation.
• Availability: Faces potential market discontinuation rumors persisting into 2024.

"The No. 27 Gold innovatively uses maple finishing for subtle sweetness but is undermined by its 80-proof bottling, limiting its appeal to enthusiasts." – The Bourbon Culture

Closing
A thoughtful experiment in finishing that appeals to those seeking nuanced sweetness in a familiar Tennessee profile.

Sources

[1] Thebourbonculture – "Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold Tennessee Whiskey Review"

[2] Drinkhacker – "Review: Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold"

[3] Bourbonblog – "Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold Tennessee Whiskey now available in U.S."