Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold
A Touch of Gold
As you know by now, I’m a fan of Jack Daniels Whiskey. But when you hear "Jack Daniel's," you probably think of the classic Old No. 7—gritty, smoky, and about as subtle as a honky-tonk brawl. If you look in my cabinet, you won’t find the standard JD bottles. But Jack’s gone a bit posh with the No. 27 Gold. This limited-edition Tennessee whiskey promises a smoother, more refined experience, but is it really worth the gold-plated label? Let’s dive in, sip by sip, and find out.
A Little History: From Lynchburg with Love
Jack Daniel’s distillery has been churning out whiskey since the 1860s, making it one of the oldest registered distilleries in the States. Known for its charcoal mellowing process (the Lincoln County Process, for the whiskey nerds out there), Jack Daniel’s has built a reputation on consistency. The No. 27 Gold, however, takes things up a notch. After the usual charcoal mellowing, it gets an extra layer of smoothness by being finished in maple barrels. It’s like the distillery decided to dress up for a black-tie affair instead of the standard flannel.
Bottle Design: The Midas Touch
The bottle of Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold is as flashy as a country singer’s belt buckle. With gold accents and a sleek, squared-off design, it practically screams “fancy.” If this bottle were a person, it would be the guy who shows up to a casual BBQ in a three-piece suit. You know the type—impressive, but a bit much.
The Pour: Liquid Gold
Pouring this whiskey feels like a guilty pleasure. It’s got a rich, golden color that glows in the glass. If the phrase “liquid gold” were in the dictionary, a picture of this pour would be right next to it. It’s like watching an North Carolina sunset in a glass, only without the mosquitoes.
Nose: Sweet Temptations
On the nose, No. 27 Gold greets you with a bouquet of sweet aromas. Think caramelized sugar, maple syrup, and just a hint of vanilla. There’s a bit of fruitiness in there too—ripe bananas, maybe a touch of apple. It’s a sweet symphony that makes you think of Sunday morning pancakes, but with a bit more kick. The nose promises smooth sailing, but let’s see if the palate can keep up.
Palate: Sweet, but Not Shallow
The first sip is smooth, almost too smooth, like sliding down a banister made of butter. The sweetness from the nose carries over, with subtle maple and vanilla playing the lead roles. But there’s more depth here than you’d expect. There’s a rich, almost creamy mouthfeel that coats your tongue, followed by a subtle spice that sneaks in at the end, like a polite Southern gentleman tipping his hat. It’s rich, it’s warm, and it goes down easy—maybe a little too easy.
Finish: Southern Goodbye
The finish is long and lingering, like a Southern goodbye that takes forever. You get a final wave of sweetness, but the spice lingers too, reminding you that Jack hasn’t completely lost his edge. It’s a warm, comforting finish, like the hug you didn’t know you needed on Friday after a long work week. If Old No. 7 is the rough and tumble cowboy, No. 27 Gold is the gentleman rancher with a hidden wild side.
Final Thoughts: Father-in-Law Approved
Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold might not be for everyone—especially if you’re looking for the punchy, rugged charm of the classic Old No. 7. But if you’re in the mood for something a bit more refined, this whiskey delivers. It’s smooth, sweet, and dangerously easy to drink. My father-in-law took one sip and declared it “real fine stuff,” which, coming from him, is practically a standing ovation. So, while it might not be the whiskey you reach for every day or a more maple syrup punch from a Widow Jane Maple Syrup finish, it’s definitely one you’ll want to have on hand when you’re trying to impress a whiskey lover—or just feel a little fancy yourself.
Cheers to a dram good time! 🥃✨
The Details:
Proof: 80 • Mashbill: 80% Corn • 8% Rye • 12% Barley • Aged: 5-6yrs (Finished: 6-12mth) •Price: $100
Brown Water Rating Scale:
Nose: 3 • Palate: 4 • Finish: 3 • Uniqueness: 3 • Value: 2 • Overall: 3.0
This is a 5-point scale based on my own preferences. This was also tested by my father-in-law, another whiskey lover. 