Top 20 Whiskies of 2018

#3 • Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Heritage Barrel

  • Rank: 3
  • Year: 2018
  • Score: 93
  • Price: $65
  • ABV: 50%
  • Style: Tennessee whiskey
  • Place of Origin: Tennessee

An inspiring surprise from America’s largest whiskey maker. Distilled and put through the Lincoln County Process just like Old No. 7, the distillate was filled at 100 proof into heavily toasted, lightly charred barrels—similar to what would have been used in the 19th century—that were placed in the highest, hottest parts of the warehouses. The whiskey is pure bliss, with aromas of peanut butter crackers, honey, dark plums, and gingerbread cookies. Chewy and rich, with dark chocolate, blackberry cobbler, allspice, cloves, and refined oak, it retains liveliness and verve. Longtime Jack fans will find a lot to love here, as will those who haven’t revisited the brand in years. —Susannah Skiver Barton