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You’ve seen the black label on shelves for years, and you’re wondering what makes Jack Daniel’s different from other whiskeys. It is a Tennessee whiskey made in Lynchburg, using a unique charcoal-mellowing process that gives it a distinctly smooth character. It’s one of the best-selling whiskey brands in the world, and its story is as rich as its flavour.
This guide covers the history of this iconic Tennessee whiskey, how it’s made, the full range of bottles available in the UK, current prices, and how to choose the right one for you. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious, you’ll find everything you need to know here.
What Is Jack Daniel’s?
It is a brand of Tennessee whiskey produced at the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. It was officially founded in 1866, making it the oldest registered distillery in the United States. The distillery is now owned by Brown-Forman, which acquired the brand in 1956.
It is the biggest-selling whiskey brand in the world and the second-largest American whiskey brand globally, selling in nearly 170 countries. The brand is known for its signature square bottle, which was introduced in 1895 to prevent bottles from rolling during transport.
The History of Jack Daniel’s
The story of this whiskey begins with its founder, Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel. Born around 1850 in Lynchburg, Tennessee, Jack learned the art of distilling from a local preacher, Reverend Dan Call, and an enslaved man named Nathan “Nearest” Green, who became the distillery’s first head distiller.
In 1866, Jack officially registered his distillery, making it the first registered distillery in the United States. The exact founding date is sometimes disputed, with some records suggesting 1875, but 1866 remains the official date. Jack Daniel never married and had no children. In 1907, he handed the distillery over to his nephew, Lem Motlow. Jack died in 1911 from an infection caused by a broken toe he had sustained after kicking a safe in frustration.
The distillery survived Prohibition in the 1920s by producing whiskey for medicinal purposes and later ceased production during World War II to redirect resources to the war effort. After the war, the brand grew in popularity, partly thanks to Frank Sinatra, who famously called it “Nectar of the Gods”.
How This Tennessee Whiskey Is Made
The distillery follows a specific production process that sets it apart from other whiskeys. It uses a mash bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. The whiskey is made using a sour mash process, where some of the spent grains from previous batches are introduced to kickstart fermentation.
The key step that defines Tennessee whiskey is the Lincoln County Process. This involves filtering the distilled spirit through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal before it is aged. This process, which can take three to five days per batch, mellows the whiskey by removing impurities. It is then aged in new American oak barrels with a heavy “alligator” char.
While this whiskey meets the legal criteria to be called a bourbon, it chooses to label itself as Tennessee whiskey because of this extra charcoal-mellowing step.
The Core Range of Tennessee Whiskey
The brand offers a wide range of whiskeys, from the classic Old No. 7 to premium single barrels and flavoured expressions. Here’s a breakdown of the core range available in the UK.
Old No. 7
This is the original and most iconic expression. It’s made from the classic mash bill, mellowed through charcoal, and aged in new oak barrels. The result is smooth and slightly sweet, with notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and banana. It’s approachable, mixable, and unmistakable.
Gentleman Jack
Gentleman Jack is a more refined take on Old No. 7. It is charcoal-mellowed twice – once before and once after barrel aging. This extra step gives it a rounder, softer character with more caramel and a smooth, clean finish. Bottled at 40% ABV, it’s ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Single Barrel Select
For those seeking a more premium experience, the Single Barrel Select is bottled from a single barrel at 47% ABV. Each barrel offers its own unique flavour profile, but expect deeper flavours of caramel, toasted oak, and baking spice.
Flavoured Expressions
The brand also produces a range of flavoured whiskey liqueurs, bottled at 35% ABV. These include:
- Tennessee Honey – a blend of whiskey and honey liqueur, sweet and smooth
- Tennessee Fire – whiskey blended with cinnamon liqueur, bold and spicy
- Tennessee Apple – whiskey with crisp apple liqueur, fresh and sweet
- Tennessee Blackberry – a newer addition with blackberry flavour
UK Prices for Tennessee Whiskey (2026)
This Tennessee whiskey is widely available in the UK, and prices vary depending on the retailer and bottle size. Here are some of the best current deals:
| Product | Size | Price (GBP) | Retailer |
| Gentleman Jack | 70cl | £20 | Tesco, Sainsbury’s |
| Old No.7 McLaren Edition | 70cl | £22 | Tesco |
| Old No.7 Tennessee Whiskey | 70cl | £23 | Amazon |
| Old No.7 Tennessee Whiskey | 1L | £25 | Sainsbury’s |
| Tennessee Honey | 70cl | £19 | Asda, Sainsbury’s |
| Tennessee Apple | 70cl | £19 | Asda, Sainsbury’s |
| Tennessee Fire | 70cl | £19 | Asda, Sainsbury’s |
| Tennessee Blackberry | 70cl | £19 | Amazon |
The best value is the 1L bottle of Old No.7 at Sainsbury’s for £25, which gives you a full litre for only £2 more than the 70cl bottle. Prices can change quickly, and some offers may depend on loyalty pricing or stock availability.
How to Drink This Tennessee Whiskey
This whiskey is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Old No. 7 is excellent in a classic Jack and Coke – simply mix 50ml of it with cola over ice. For a smoother experience, try Gentleman Jack neat or on the rocks.
For a simple two-ingredient cocktail, mix it with apple juice or ginger ale. The Jack Knife, made with equal parts Old No.7 and Baileys Irish Cream, is a rich and creamy option. For a more sophisticated serve, try a Single Barrel Manhattan with sweet and dry vermouth and bitters.
The flavoured expressions – Honey, Fire, Apple, and Blackberry – are best enjoyed over ice, with soda, or in hot drinks like tea or cider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Jack Daniel’s a bourbon?
Technically, it meets all the legal requirements to be called a bourbon, but it chooses to label itself as Tennessee whiskey. This is because of the extra step of charcoal-mellowing, known as the Lincoln County Process, which the brand says makes it “bourbon one better”.
Q: What is the Lincoln County Process?
It’s the process of filtering the distilled spirit through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal before aging. This step, which can take three to five days, mellows the whiskey by removing impurities and gives it its smooth character.
Q: How much does Jack Daniel’s cost in the UK?
Prices start from around £19 for a 70cl bottle of the flavoured expressions (Honey, Fire, Apple, Blackberry). Old No.7 70cl is around £23, and Gentleman Jack 70cl is around £20. The best value is the 1L bottle of Old No.7 at Sainsbury’s for £25.
Q: What is the difference between Old No.7 and Gentleman Jack?
Gentleman Jack is charcoal-mellowed twice – once before and once after barrel aging – whereas Old No.7 is mellowed only once before aging. This extra step gives Gentleman Jack a rounder, softer, and smoother character.
Q: Does Jack Daniel’s still make its whiskey in Lynchburg?
Yes, it is still produced at the original distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, which was founded in 1866. It remains the oldest registered distillery in the United States.
Q: Is Jack Daniel’s gluten-free?
It is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. While the distillation process removes gluten proteins, the brand does not market itself as gluten-free. Those with severe gluten sensitivities should exercise caution.
Q: What is the alcohol content of Jack Daniel’s?
Old No.7 and Gentleman Jack are bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). Single Barrel Select is bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof). The flavoured expressions are bottled at 35% ABV.
Q: Can I visit the Jack Daniel’s distillery?
Yes, the distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, offers guided tours and tastings. Tours typically last around 7 hours and include a visit to the barrel houses and a tasting session.
Q: What is the best Jack Daniel’s for a Jack and Coke?
Old No.7 is the classic choice. Its smooth, slightly sweet profile mixes perfectly with cola. For a more premium version, you can use Gentleman Jack, which will give a smoother finish.
Q: Does Jack Daniel’s have a 14-year-old whiskey?
Yes, the brand released a 14 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey in 2025, bottled at cask strength. It is part of the Aged Series, which also includes 10 and 12 Year Old expressions.
