Jack Daniel’s launches bonded rye

Brown-Forman-owned Jack Daniel’s has released the third expression in its Bonded Series, a bonded rye whiskey.

The whiskey is the first rye from the Tennessee distillery to feature a bottled-in-bond designation – which, according to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, must be distilled by a single distiller during a single season, matured in a government-bonded warehouse for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV).

The bonded rye has a grain bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley, and follows on from previous bonded releases in the range.

Master distiller Chris Fletcher said: “Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye Whiskey is made to the highest quality in the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, as we’ve worked to refine and master every step of the process.

“Starting with the highest quality rye grain, each bottle ensures a unique and balanced taste profile in every sip.”

The whiskey’s notes are said to start with ‘sweet dried fruit’ and then follow with hints of ‘toffee and caramel’.

Sporting a ‘bold, complex, and balanced’ taste, it also has a rye spice finish.

It is available across the UK and through online retailers The Whiskey Exchange, Hard to Find Whisky, Master of Malt and Amazon, for an RRP of £42 (US$53).

Parent brand Brown-Forman saw a decline in its whiskey sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, with declines for most of Jack Daniel’s portfolio.

However the company’s ready-to-drink (RTD) portfolio was up by 4%, with Jack Daniel’s RTDs growing by 1%.

Recently, Jack Daniel’s unveiled a Jack & Ginger Ale RTD.

The brand is the second biggest-selling world whisky brand.