‘The Perfect Sip for the Season’: Jack Daniel’s Acquires a Taste for Spain With Oloroso Sherry Cask-Finished Whiskey

On Monday, Jack Daniel’s unveiled a new whiskey as part of an experimental series: Distillery Series Selection #12. The expression was finished in Oloroso sherry casks for three years.

The limited-quantity whiskey is exclusively available in Tennessee starting December 2 and hosts a suggested retail price of $41.99 for a 375 ml bottle.

“We first used Oloroso Sherry casks with our American Single Malt, and it was only natural to continue experimenting with them to craft innovations that only Jack Daniel’s could,” said Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher in a statement from the brand. “What resulted was something completely unique that further elevates the complexity of Old No. 7 but maintains a balanced profile.”

The American Single malt whiskey Fletcher referred to in the statement was released in September, and the Tennessee whiskey brand made the release a permanent offering in its portfolio. The whiskey was distilled from 100% malted barley and was finished in Oloroso sherry casks after undergoing Jack Daniel’s signature charcoal mellowing process.

Oloroso Sherry is a type of sherry that originates from Jerez, Spain. What makes Oloroso distinctive is the fact that it ages oxidatively and never develops a yeast layer, which is called “flor.” Wine Folly cites the oxidative aging process imparting dark, aromatic and spicy qualities and claims that Oloroso can “drink like a finely aged bourbon.”

Jack Daniel’s Selection #12 is a straight Tennessee whiskey hosting a mashbill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley and 8% rye. The whiskey undergoes the brand’s signature “charcoal mellowing process,” before resting in new charred American white oak barrels. After it concludes the maturation process, it is aged in the Oloroso Sherry casks for three more years.

‘We can’t wait for our friends to try what we believe is the perfect sip for the season,” Fletcher concluded.

Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Selection #12 Tasting Notes, via the brand

Aroma: Sweet citrus.

Palate: Rich baking spices, nutmeg and caramel.

Finish: Long and lingering, with red fruit through the sherry maturation.