Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye
Overall Score: 8/10
Overall Value: 4.25/5
Distillery: Jack Daniel Distillery
Classification: Tennessee Whiskey
Company: Brown-Forman
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 128.4
Age: No Age Statement
Mashbill: 70% Rye, 18% Corn, 12% Barley
Color: Dark Amber
MSRP: $70 (2025)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose on this rye starts with the signature Jack Daniel’s notes —banana, front and center. Think banana nut muffin fresh out of the oven. Alongside that are notes of caramel, whipped cream, and cherry, creating a rich, dessert-like nose. There’s also some nutty undertones and faint hints of red fruits like plum and blackberry. It’s bold and inviting, and honestly, it doesn’t smell like a rye at all—more like a fancy, high-proof bourbon.
The palate of first sip confirms it—this drinks more like a bourbon than a rye. Oily and full-bodied, the taste mirrors the nose with banana, cherry, and a dose of nutty sweetness. You might also catch some marshmallow and nougat if you take your time with it. Despite the barrel proof strength, it’s not overpowering. There’s a quick flash of heat that dries the mouth slightly, but it fades fast and balances out with sweet and rich flavors.
The finish is long, warm, and syrupy. The nuttiness intensifies, the cherry lingers, and there’s just enough oak to keep things grounded. Some sips might surprise you with a touch of dry erase marker or a shoe polish note—but surprisingly not in a bad way. It adds a bit of rustic character that complements the sweetness.
This is not your typical rye whiskey—and that’s either a good or bad thing depending on what you're looking for. Traditional rye spice? Not here. But if you're a fan of bourbon-like profiles with banana, cherry, and rich dessert notes, this is a standout.
It’s especially enjoyable around a campfire or on a laid-back evening. At around $70 MSRP (though sometimes found on sale for less), the price feels fair for such a bold, high-proof experience. This review lands solidly in the “worth trying” category, especially for Jack Daniel’s fans.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 8/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
Fresh banana nut muffin. It’s rich and full and was really enticing me to take a sip.
I also get a sweet caramel or whipped creme. It has a very full bodied nose.
It does not present like a rye at all.
THE TASTE:
It has a very oily mouthfeel. Tastes like biting into a fresh banana nut muffin, which happily delivers from the nose.
Interesting enough, I once again do not get any traditional rye notes. I could very easily be convinced I was drinking a bourbon.
The proof does make an appearance for a quick second, drying the mouth a bit, but nothing that is distracting.
THE FINISH:
The finish is full and lingering, which makes sense for the high proof point.
The nuttiness starts to outweigh the banana and I do get a faint profile of shoe polish or dry erase marker.
The sweetness does recenter the finish and leaves you with a nice syrupy flavor.
BUY OR PASS?
As a fan of banana nut muffin, this is an absolute hitter. If you aren’t a fan of that profile then you may be a bit disappointed.
Also, if you are pursuing a rye for traditional rye profiles this is not the one. It really sipped like a bourbon.
The Hunter Says
Score: 8/10
Value: 4.5/5
THE NOSE:
Banana, of course—it’s Jack Daniel’s.
But beyond that, there’s a strong cherry note, plus the peanut coating from a Drumstick ice cream cone.
Dark red fruits like plum and blackberry show up, and after a little time, caramel and nougat sneak in.
THE TASTE:
Thick and rich, but not syrupy.
Banana and cherry lead the way, followed by a solid proof punch that isn’t overwhelming.
There’s even a little toasted marshmallow that reminds me of Coy Hill—but that might be wishful thinking.
THE FINISH:
The proof lingers in a good way.
More cherry, a touch of caramel, and just enough oak to round it out.
BUY OR PASS?
This bottle can be hit or miss for me, but tonight, it’s a hit. I think I still prefer the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Bourbon, but this is drinking really well.
It’s a bold pour, but with enough depth to make it feel like a great weekend sipper—perfect for a campfire with friends. Also, if I didn’t know better, I’d never guess this was a rye.
