If you’ve ever wondered what happens when Jack Daniel’s gets a little playful, and a little sweeter, their newest Distillery Series release has your answer. And yes, it tastes just as fun as it sounds.
Jack Daniel’s has officially launched Distillery Series #16, a limited-edition Tennessee Rye Whiskey finished in table syrup barrels. Yes, syrup. The kind of Southern-style sweetness that feels like weekend breakfast poured straight into the barrel.
And honestly? It works.
A Rye That Isn’t Afraid of Flavor
This release starts with Jack’s classic Tennessee Rye Whiskey, built on a mash bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley … already a lively, spice-forward foundation. It ages in new charred white oak barrels the good old-fashioned way, soaking up all those warm, toasted notes.
Then comes the twist: the whiskey is finished in barrels that once held a traditional Southern table syrup. Not maple, not molasses … table syrup, that nostalgic sweetness that feels like home.
Byron Copeland, Jack Daniel’s Barrel Maturation Manager and Master Taster, put it best:
“The Distillery Series is all about exploring new ideas… the finish adds a sweetness and depth that’s completely unique but unmistakably Jack.”
And he’s right. The whiskey doesn’t lose its rye backbone. Instead, the syrup-finished barrels round it out with a richer, deeper sweetness.
What It Tastes Like
A sip of Distillery Series #16 opens with salted caramel … the cozy kind … and quickly follows with a warm, unmistakable rye spice. The syrup finish doesn’t overwhelm; instead, it softens the edges and adds a syrupy depth that makes the entire experience feel balanced and surprisingly… comforting.
This is the kind of whiskey you can enjoy neat on a cold evening, or pour for friends when you want something familiar yet new.
Proof, Price, and Where to Find It
As with every Distillery Series release, this one is barrel proof, coming in at 111.4 proof (55.7% ABV). It’s packaged in a 375ml bottle and, in classic Distillery Series fashion, is only available in Tennessee … including the White Rabbit Bottle Shop in Lynchburg.
The release lands December 6th, perfectly timed with the annual lighting of the iconic Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree.
The suggested retail price is $44.75, making it an approachable way to try something distinctly different from the Jack Daniel’s lineup.
Final Sip
Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series #16 proves something whiskey lovers already know: when the folks in Lynchburg decide to have a little fun with their barrels, it’s usually worth paying attention. This rye is bold, sweet, and unmistakably Jack … just with a Southern breakfast twist that might surprise you in the best way.
If you find yourself in Tennessee this season, grab a bottle. Your winter whiskey shelf will thank you.
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