Jack Daniels Bonded
Overall Score: 5.25/10
Overall Value: 3/5
Distillery: Jack Daniel Distillery
Classification: Tennessee Whiskey
Company: Brown-Forman
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 100
Age: NAS (Minimum 4 Years)
Mashbill: 80% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 8% Rye
Color: Dark Leather
MSRP: $30 (2024)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose on the Jack Daniel's Bonded opens with a bright and promising aroma. You'll notice a graininess paired with a hint of sweetness, reminiscent of honey nut Cheerios, and a rich thickness similar to cornbread. The classic Jack Daniel's banana notes are present, along with faint oak scents, making the nose the highlight of this pour.
The initial sip delivers a brief sweet banana note, quickly overtaken by grainy youthful flavors, possibly wheat or straw. The alcohol burn is surprisingly strong for a 100 proof. The mouthfeel is quite thin, and it leaves a bitter charcoal flavor lingering at the end.
The finish continues the trend of youthful harshness, dominated by alcohol burn and a slight malt or barley flavor. After letting the pour breathe, a cherry medicine profile emerges, which is less enjoyable. The finish also leaves a slight numbing sensation on the tongue.
Priced at a $30 MSRP, Jack Daniel's Bonded is better suited as a mixer rather than a sipping whiskey. The nose shows potential, but the taste and finish reveal its youthful harshness.
Despite this, it makes an excellent base for cocktails, adding the classic Jack Daniel’s character to mixed drinks. While not the best bottled-in-bond option for straight enjoyment, it’s an affordable choice for your home bar, especially if you find it on sale.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 5.5/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
I get a graininess with a bit of sweetness like honey nut Cheerios. There is also a rich thickness present that reminds me a bit of cornbread.
I also get just the lightest amount of that Jack Daniels banana profile that many people pick up on. This is the best part of the pour, and hints at a full-bodied bourbon that unfortunately does not show up in the second half.
THE TASTE:
I get sweet banana for a split second then it quickly moves to some sort of grain. Wheat or straw perhaps?
There is more alcohol burn than a 100 proof should have and it makes it feel rather youthy, which it may very well be.
The mouthfeel is pretty thin and it leaves me with a charcoal flavor at the end.
THE FINISH:
This is all alcohol burn and a bit of a malt or barley flavor.
The extended finish, after really letting the pour breathe, gave me a cherry medicine profile.
Easily the least enjoyable part of the pour.
BUY OR PASS?
My opinion is this is not a bourbon that should be enjoyed neat, or on the rocks. The youth is just too apparent, however, it has the potential to make a fantastic mixer.
There are much better bottled-in-bond options!
The Hunter Says
Score: 5/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
Starting with the nose, it's bright and promising. You'll catch hints of oak and a bit of banana, which is pretty classic for Jack Daniel's.
There's also a faint scent of Cheerios, but not too much of the honey you might expect.
THE TASTE:
Taking a sip, there's an initial bright sweetness that seems promising. But, unfortunately, it doesn't last.
That sweetness quickly gives way to a harsh, youthful bitterness that dominates the flavor.
The young, raw notes are pretty strong here.
THE FINISH:
When it comes to the finish, it continues with that same youthful harshness.
It's not very pleasant and leaves a slight numbing sensation on the tongue, which isn't great.
BUY OR PASS?
Jack Daniel's Bonded is definitely more suited as a mixer. The nose starts with some nice potential, but the taste and finish don't make it worth sipping straight. However, it does make a great base for cocktails, so mix away!
