Jack Daniel’s Names New Special Edition Tennessee Whiskey After Eric Church
"Let’s raise our glass high. ’Cause that’s where it belongs."
Country music star Eric Church may be hiding a few secrets behind those omnipresent sunglasses, but there’s no doubt about his favorite Tennessee whiskey — it’s Jack Daniel’s. Church has a long-time association with the Lynchburg, TN-based distiller, and the affection is mutual. So much so that Jack Daniel’s has recently honored Church by naming a special edition of their Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey after him.
To give you an idea of how big a deal this is, consider that Jack Daniel’s is already named after a famous person, the legendary distiller who created the iconic brand more than a century and a half ago. Through all those decades, Jack Daniel’s has released only a few special editions named after someone other than Mr. Jack, himself. Previously, all but one of those chosen whiskeys were named after former master distillers or other long-time employees of the company.
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Before Church, the only other Jack Daniel’s whiskey named after a celebrity was their absolute top-shelf offering, Sinatra Select. So, yeah, this is indeed a rare honor. “Our drive and passion at Jack Daniel’s for crafting the best possible whiskey we can is matched by Eric’s artistry and drive to put out the best music he can,” said Mary Beth O’Mara, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Senior Brand Manager. “Eric is the real deal, and shares our love of community, independence, spirit and pride in what we do. It’s a special friendship and one we’re proud to celebrate with this whiskey.”
Church is quite proud to be associated with the brand, and specifically this particular special bottling, which is presented in a unique bottle with his name on the front and black and gold embossed labeling. “My love for Jack Daniel’s is for the whiskey but it’s also about a can-do, small town attitude, where community, loyalty and hard work are the qualities the crafters of this American icon hang their hats,” said Church. “I’m honored to have my own special release of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel. Whether we raise a glass at a table with a handful of our friends or from a stage with thousands, let’s raise our glass high. ’Cause that’s where it belongs.”
Church actually took an active role in selecting the barrels used in this special single barrel bottling. Working with Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett, Church sampled barrels chosen from a secret “honey hole” on the top floor of a warehouse on Coy Hill at the distillery. These top shelves tend to be the hottest areas of any rickhouse, which increases the seasonal tidal flow of the whiskey in and out of the charred oak on the inside of the barrels. The extra contact with the oak contributes deeper and more complex aromas to the whiskey, even more than Jack Daniel’s standard black label Tennessee whiskey. The result is a spirit with hints of sweet vanilla and caramel that dances on the palate before a long and complex finish of bananas, corn and oak.
Arnett is pleased with his celebrity guest taster’s choices: “This special whiskey is reflective of Eric himself – bold, rich in character, forward and something that can be enjoyed by those with a taste for a well-rounded whiskey and a unique and memorable sipping experience.”
The Jack Daniel’s Eric Church Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey is bottled at 94 proof, higher than traditional Jack to showcase the bold flavors of the whiskey. You should be able to find it in 750-ml bottles at finer spirits stores all over the country beginning this month. Cheers!
