Introduction
Today, we’re diving into Jack Daniel’s 10-Year Tennessee Whiskey, specifically Batch 3, released in February 2024. It’s a 97-proof whiskey, a bit below the typical barrel-proof offerings that dominate the market, and instead, Jack Daniel’s is banking on the maturity of its 10-year age statement to carry this one. At $85 a bottle, this is positioned as a premium offering within the Jack Daniel’s portfolio, and we were eager to see how it measures up.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a Jack Daniel’s product on the show, but we feel like their products are so consistent—whether you love or hate the signature banana funk, you know what you’re getting. Without fail. we find that every Jack Daniel’s release has that telltale banana note. And depending on the batch, it can go into "overripe" territory, which, honestly, can be a little off-putting. But we're excited to see how this 10-year expression handles it. Let’s dive in.
This review is taken from our episode "The Big Short / Jack Daniel's 10-Year Tennessee Whiskey." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: The nose on this is wild. It’s super oaky and has this distinct French onion Sun Chip vibe—no joke. I know that’s a weird note, but it’s there. I also got some corn pops, that sugary grain cereal, alongside black pepper and the classic Jack Daniel’s banana. I’m giving the nose a 7.5/10.
Bob: Dude, the French onion Sun Chip note is spot on, and I can’t believe you caught that too. For me, it starts with dusty leather, which I love, but then it tips into this savory oniony territory that feels… odd. It’s balanced out by sweeter notes like banana and some charred sugar. It’s funky, but it works. I’m also at a 7.5/10.
Taste
Brad: The palate here is beautifully oaky. It’s got a maple syrup sweetness and this honeyed wheat bread vibe. There’s also some clove and other baking spices that creep in as it sits on the tongue. I think it’s really well-executed, so I’m giving it an 8/10.
Bob: For me, it’s all about the balance between the sweet and oaky notes. There’s butterscotch and sugar cone sweetness that keeps the bitter oak in check. At moments, it feels like the oakiness might overwhelm everything else, but it never quite does. It’s a complex dance between bitter and sweet, and I like it. I’m giving it an 8/10 as well.
Finish
Brad: The finish leans into the oakiness, but it gets a little bitter for me. The banana note becomes burnt banana—or bananas foster, if we’re being fancy. There’s also some sourness that creeps in, like lemon zest. I’ll give it a 7/10.
Bob: I’m right there with you. The sourness doesn’t take over, but it’s definitely noticeable. The banana note does get overripe, but honestly, I’ve gotten used to that flavor from Jack Daniel’s products—it doesn’t bother me as much anymore. The finish is long and keeps those oak and char notes going. I’m at a 7/10 too.
Balance
Brad: The balance is good but not great. It doesn’t have the wild highs and lows of some other whiskies, but it also doesn’t quite reach the upper echelons of Jack Daniel’s releases. I think it’s consistently solid, so I’ll give it a 7/10.
Bob: I think the balance is one of the stronger aspects here. It doesn’t have any glaring flaws or dramatic drops in quality. It’s just steady across the board, which I respect. I’m giving it an 8/10.
Value
Brad: At $85, it feels fairly priced for what it is—an age-stated product from a major distillery. That said, there are other options in the same price range, like Russell’s Reserve 10-Year, that might offer more bang for your buck. I’m at a 6.5/10.
Bob: I agree with you on the price point. It’s not outrageous, but it’s also not a steal. I’d feel better if it were $65, but it’s a good whiskey regardless. I’m giving it a 6/10.
Final Scores
Brad: My final score for Jack Daniel’s 10-Year Tennessee Whiskey is 36/50.
Bob: I’m just half a point ahead at 36.5/50.
Conclusion
Jack Daniel’s 10-Year Tennessee Whiskey is a solid addition to the brand’s portfolio. While it doesn’t hit the heights of some other premium Jack Daniel’s offerings, it’s still an enjoyable whiskey with a lot to offer fans of the signature Jack Daniel’s profile. With an average score of 36.25/50, it just crosses the line into our "recommend" range. If you’re a Jack Daniel’s enthusiast, it’s worth picking up, but for others, a pour at the bar might be the better option.
