Jack Daniel's Sinatra Select Review
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: Tennessee, USA.
- Type: Tennessee Whiskey.
- Distillation and Maturation Process: Uses fresh American white oak casks, charred on the inside. Unique to Sinatra Select, grooves are milled into the cask to increase the inner surface area, allowing the whiskey to extract more aromas from the wood.
- Age Statement: Not specified, but noted that it has shorter cask time than typical Jack Daniels but with more contact due to the grooved casks.
- Color and Clarity: Dark, indicative of the non-colored nature of American whiskey, which is a legal requirement.
- Bottle Design: 1-liter bottle with a heavy, thick glass bottom, part of a heavy package that includes a leaflet or a small book detailing Frank Sinatra's history.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: Described as very smooth, with a balance between sweetness and spice.
- Unique Characteristics: Notably darker and more flavorful due to the innovative cask design, with a significant presence of vanilla, caramel, and a faint spiciness. Less tannin and spiciness from the wood compared to other whiskies.
- Comparison: More full-bodied and spicier than standard Jack Daniels offerings, without the note of glue sometimes found in Jack Daniels Single Barrel whiskey.
Whisky Storytelling
- Frank Sinatra Connection: Named to honor Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday, reflecting a long and deep connection between Sinatra and Jack Daniels. Sinatra was known to promote whiskey, specifically Jack Daniels, and even founded the Jack Daniels Country Club.
- Cultural Impact: The whiskey and its packaging delve into Sinatra's impact on society, his role in the Rat Pack, and his efforts to combat racial segregation in entertainment venues.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Historical Context: The Sinatra Select edition highlights the intertwined history of American music, culture, and whiskey. It also touches on the social issues of the time, particularly racial segregation, and how figures like Sinatra and the Rat Pack played roles in societal change.
- Geographical Significance: Emphasizes the tradition of Tennessee whiskey and its strict production requirements, such as the use of fresh American white oak casks.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "This one is the best Jack Daniels I ever had. This is a real masterpiece of craftsmanship from Jack Daniels." - Horst Luening, Master Taster of Whisky.com.
- Regarding the price, "If the gifted person is important to you, then every dollar you pay is worth it."
Summary
- Jack Daniel's Sinatra Select is a special edition Tennessee whiskey created to honor Frank Sinatra.
- It features a unique maturation process with grooved casks for enhanced flavor extraction, resulting in a dark, smooth whiskey with prominent vanilla and caramel notes.
- The whiskey celebrates Sinatra's legacy and his connection to Jack Daniels, including his efforts to address racial segregation.
- Described as the best Jack Daniels ever by the master taster, it's considered a masterpiece despite its high price.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- For Sinatra Fans and History Buffs: The rich storytelling and connection to Frank Sinatra make it a must-have.
- Whiskey Collectors: The unique bottle design and the special edition nature of this whiskey make it a valuable addition to any collection.
- Connoisseurs Looking for Unique Flavors: The innovative cask design and resulting flavor profile offer a distinct tasting experience.
- Gift Givers: Ideal for those looking to give a meaningful and premium gift, especially to older recipients who appreciate Sinatra's legacy.