The pride of Tennessee has just released a whiskey that hasn’t been seen in over a century: the Jack Daniel’s 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey. This marks a significant milestone in the world of whiskey, with an age-statement that harkens back to the early 1900s, giving fans and connoisseurs alike a rare opportunity to taste something truly special.
Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher speaks with evident pride about this new release. “This is one of the most rewarding things that I’ve ever done in whiskey, in my 20-something years in distilleries,” he says in his characteristic Southern drawl. “We’re doing a whiskey that hasn’t been done in Lynchburg, Tennessee, since Jack Daniel did it himself.”
The 14-Year-Old is the latest installment in Jack Daniel’s Aged Series, a line of whiskeys that extends beyond the standard four-year maturation used in their iconic “Old No. 7.” After the success of the 10-Year-Old and 12-Year-Old expressions launched in 2021 and 2022, Jack Daniel’s fans are now treated to this exceptional 14-Year-Old offering. And what a treat it is.
This 14-Year-Old expression brings an added layer of complexity to the already beloved 12-Year-Old variant. The whiskey has matured in new, charred American oak barrels, which intensify the familiar notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and caramel, taking them to new heights. While the 12-Year-Old was already a standout, the 14-Year-Old is a deeper, more intricate whiskey—rich with complexity and full of surprising depth.
It’s worth noting that this new release is the same whiskey as the widely known Old No. 7, but with a far more mature profile. This realization is especially striking for those who have long appreciated the quality and consistency of Jack Daniel’s flagship offering. While some may dismiss the Old No. 7 as an everyday drink, it remains a testament to the impeccable standards of the Lynchburg distillery. The 14-Year-Old proves that the base formula, when given time to evolve, can transform into a truly extraordinary spirit.
Every drop of Jack Daniel’s whiskey is made at the Lynchburg distillery, where 2,000 barrels are distilled and dumped daily. Despite the massive scale of production, Jack Daniel’s has maintained a level of quality control that ensures the consistency of each bottle. The 14-Year-Old, along with its 10- and 12-Year-Old siblings, showcases how a consistent recipe can evolve and mature into something remarkably different over time.
Fletcher explains that the secret to this maturation process lies in the distillery’s unique aging method. While most of the barrels for the Aged Series are kept on the top floor of their rickhouses, where temperatures are higher, the barrels are then moved to the ground floor to continue aging more slowly. This technique, likened to “grilling a steak” at high heat and then allowing it to “simmer” on a lower heat, allows the whiskey to develop its rich flavors without becoming overcooked.
The process of crafting this new series has been an evolving journey for Fletcher and his team. “It’s been really fun to follow along with the 10, and now the multiple batches of the 12, and see how they are evolving and just kind of shifting,” he shares. “Each one has its own personality, which is part of the fun.”
The 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey is bottled at a striking 63.15% ABV (126.3 proof), but it doesn’t drink as intensely as its proof might suggest. Despite its high alcohol content, it’s surprisingly smooth, allowing the layers of flavor to shine through with ease.
At a suggested retail price of $150, the Jack Daniel’s 14-Year-Old is a whiskey for those who appreciate the finer nuances of age and craftsmanship. It’s a rare gem that marks a turning point for the distillery, offering something truly unique to the whiskey world. As Fletcher reflects, the future of Jack Daniel’s Aged Series looks promising, with the possibility of even more age-statement releases on the horizon.
In an era where age-statement whiskeys are becoming rarer, Jack Daniel’s 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey is a delightful reminder of the art of whiskey making and the timeless nature of a classic distillery. Cheers to the past, the present, and the future of Jack Daniel’s.
