While trying to decide what whiskeys to get for American Whiskey Month here on The Whiskey Jug I knew I was going to have to do a Tennessee whiskey and I was pretty sure it was going to have to be Jack Daniel’s. Then I stumbled across this fun little treasure from the Agriculture and Commerce State (Tennessee) and suddenly American Whiskey month was shaping up to a little more than your standard go-to American Whiskeys.
The background on this Whiskey was always shrouded in mystery as they were getting their whiskey from an undisclosed source and Jailer’s was just bottling it. That’s nothing new, look at the plethora of LDI/MGP whiskey out there, but that mystery is a moot point now as the company has outrun their initial funding and have had to close shop. So if you’re picking up a bottle enjoy it because it’s going to get very hard to find it very soon.
Jailers Tennessee Whiskey Review
ABV: 43%
Price: $26
Bottler: The Tennessee Spirits Company (they “found” the barrels so…)
EYE
Amber caramel
NOSE
The whiskey spice hits hard right off the bat, but it sows down after a few seconds and some great notes of toffee, marzipan, and oranges start to come through. There are also some undertones of burnt maple and an almost raw quality to the overall scent.
TASTE
It’s surprisingly sweet upfront but the charcoal does make itself known. There’s not a huge amount of caramel to speak of, but there are some soft grainy flavors that are enhanced by a touch of citrus and something I can only describe as smoked ham. When chilled there is a very unique melon-like sweetness that peaks it’s head out to say hello. Despite the plethora of very dessert like flavors it doesn’t come across as sweet and is something that could easily be enjoyed all day.
FINISH
The aftertaste initially reminded me of skittles, but then the medium long finish fades down to a nice warm cinnamon and grains aftertaste that has more in common with a rye than a bourbon as I didn’t pick up any of the corn notes that traditionally come with bourbons (which this technically is).
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Well balanced with a medium body. There is a slight burn up front and a little rough going down, but it’s oily texture helps keep things in line. Overall it has a great mouthfeel and you won’t have to chug or shoot it to get it down.
OVERALL
I enjoyed it quite a bit. Far more than I do Jack, Gentleman Jack, or Jack Single barrel. To me it had a bit more complexity and diversity in it’s flavor than what I’ve typically found in good old #7. It doesn’t have that motor oil like quality that is often associated with Jack Daniels, but there is still a certain oiliness to it that is an oddly nice sensation when coupled with the flavor
SCORE: 87/100
Cases say that they were bottle on Dec. 13th, 2017 by Strong Spirits. Great backstory above. This bottle reminds me of how/why whiskey was used for currency back in the day. Some for sipping and some for steaks, cakes, and other delicacies.
Super interesting. Thanks for the info!
Thanks to the pandemic I have fallen into 2 cases of Jailers. Couldn’t walk down the whiskey aisle because there were too many people and found a bottle in clearance for $9.99. Talked to the owner and he said I found a gem and that he had a couple of cases. Tasted it, read your review, and ran back to the store. He dropped it to $8 a bottle for me. What a find!!!! Thanks for the awesome review
HOLY CRAP! That’s super awesome and I’m super jealous. You got a hell of a deal, congrats and cheers!
Just found one
Found a 750 of Jailers at a local shop just last evening. Had never heard of it so I decided to give it a try. At $26 and 86p it’s not bad at all, really. Very similar to Dickel #12, which is one of my faves. Sad to hear that they’re out of business…I guess I’ll move it to my “special occasions” shelf. Definitely keeping the bottle, it was what caught my eye.
Oh nice, that’s a great deal for $26. I was sad they disappeared too. Cheers Denny!
Jailers Tennessee whiskey
Here it is the last days of 2019 and a couple of years from the last post about Jailers. Well, I found 3 bottles here in Western Minnesota For $28. I ought one and have found it well worth the price, and I find your review right on! It is pretty good. I wonder if I should get the last two on the shelf? It’s always tough when there are some great bourbons/Tennessee whiskeys.
Nice score. It’s not being made anymore so If you love it I’d snag the others. Once they’re gone they’re gone. Cheers!
Is it the same juice since returning? Or has the quality changed?
I don’t know, I haven’t had any recent releases, but if I do I’ll post about it. Cheers!
I got introduced to Jailers after seeing it on the clearance rack at my local packie. Good stuff, great in Coke, and solo is quite tasty. Not bad for eleven bucks a 750. I have better buy the rest in stock before they are gone forever!
No wait… Coming back???
Great news! I hope I can still score some for 11 bucks! :)
Jailers is BACK! We carry single bottles and the jailers in a gift basket.
Great news. Clearance here at 11 bucks a 750. I hope it returns!
Wow nice.
I know that jailers is coming back to some big time distributors around the country. so expect to this awesome produc on some shelves again.
Oh, that’s pretty awesome. Thanks for the update!
Damn, I had just bought my second bottle from our local store here in Pasadena and decided to google the place cuz I thought this was a darn good distillery. Really out of biz! Thought I had a well priced go to drinking partner in Jailers…. ;(
I feel the same way. Don’t know which bottle shop you go to in Pasadena, but last time I was at Mission (1.5 months ago) they had a pretty healthy stock of it still on the shelves.