Jack Daniel's Birthday Edition Mr. Daniel's 161st birthday 2011
Jack Daniel's Birthday Edition Mr. Daniel's 161st birthday 2011...
Condition: New. Collector.
Fill level: New. In the neck.
Bourbon still produced: Yes.
Category: Bourbon.
Distillery: Jack Daniel's.
Bottler: Distillery Bottling.
Bottling series: Birthday Edition 2011.
Bottling Year: 2011.
Stated Age: Not stated.
Cask type: Newly made handcrafted white oak barrels.
Strength: 40.0% Vol.
Size: 700 ml.
Colouring: No.
Bottle code: L114342118
Country Origin: USA.
Region: Tennessee.
Market: Europe.
The Jack Daniel's Birthday Edition released in 2011 was created to celebrate the 161st birthday of Mr. Jack Daniel, the founder of the iconic Tennessee whiskey brand. These special releases are part of a tradition by Jack Daniel's to honour their founder's legacy each year with a commemorative bottle, and they have become quite collectible.
Key Details about the Jack Daniel's 161st Birthday Edition (2011):
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Commemorative Release: This bottle was specifically designed to celebrate Jack Daniel's 161st birthday, and each edition from the series typically features unique labelling and packaging to set it apart from the standard Old No. 7 bottle.
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Limited Edition: As with many birthday and commemorative editions, the 2011 release was limited, making it more desirable for collectors. It was primarily sold in select markets and was not as widely distributed as the core range.
Bottle Design:
- Label and Packaging: The 161st birthday edition is often marked by special black-and-gold accents on the label, differentiating it from the standard black-and-white Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 branding. The label typically features a portrait or reference to Mr. Jack Daniel himself.
- Glass Bottle Shape: The bottle maintains the classic square Jack Daniel's shape but may feature additional detailing or embossing, making it stand out on a collector's shelf.
Whiskey Profile:
- Content: Inside the bottle, this edition is usually filled with the traditional Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, which is charcoal-mellowed, providing its signature smoothness and balanced flavour.
- Tasting Notes:
- Nose: A rich aroma of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak with hints of fruit and spice.
- Palate: The whiskey is smooth with notes of vanilla, toasted wood, and caramel, along with subtle hints of apple, cinnamon, and a light smokiness.
- Finish: The finish is warm and slightly oaky, with lingering sweetness.
Collectibility:
- Limited Availability: Since the bottle was only released in 2011 and in limited quantities, it has become sought after by Jack Daniel's fans and whiskey collectors.
- Value for Collectors: Over time, bottles like these tend to appreciate in value, especially if they are kept in mint condition with the original packaging.
- Special Editions Appeal: Jack Daniel’s has a history of releasing special commemorative editions, and the birthday series is among the most popular. Collectors often aim to acquire each annual release.
In conclusion, the Jack Daniel’s 161st Birthday Edition (2011) is not just a bottle of whiskey but also a tribute to the legacy of Jack Daniel himself, combining classic Tennessee whiskey craftsmanship with unique, collectible packaging. It’s highly valued by both whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Distillery History:
Crafting something that endures for over 150 years takes time and character. You’ll find plenty of both in the people and history that make Jack Daniel’s.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery, located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel, the founder, was born in 1846. He learned the art of distilling from a local preacher and distiller named Dan Call. In 1866, Jack Daniel registered his distillery, making it the first registered distillery in the United States.
The distillery’s success grew rapidly, and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey became renowned for its unique charcoal mellowing process, known as the Lincoln County Process. This method involves filtering the whiskey through charcoal made from sugar maple wood, giving it a distinct smoothness.
Jack Daniel passed away in 1911, and his nephew, Lem Motlow, took over the distillery. During Prohibition, the distillery faced significant challenges, including a temporary shutdown. However, it resumed production after the repeal of Prohibition.
In 1956, the distillery was sold to the Brown-Forman Corporation, which continues to produce Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey to this day. The brand has become iconic, known for its distinctive square bottles and black label, and remains a symbol of American whiskey craftsmanship.
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 is the world’s best-selling Tennessee whiskey, and its fame comes more from its cultural icon status than from frequent big awards at competitions. That said, it has won awards, especially in the early days when its medals became part of its branding
The reason the bottle says “Old No. 7 — Gold Medal” is because Jack Daniel’s has famously touted its early competition wins:
| Year | Competition | Award |
|---|---|---|
| 1904 | St. Louis World’s Fair | Gold Medal |
| 1913 | Ghent International Exposition | Gold Medal |
| 1914 | Anglo-American Exposition, London | Gold Medal |
| 1915 | Panama–Pacific International Exposition, San Francisco | Gold Medal |
| 1954 | Star of Excellence, Brussels | Gold Medal |
| 1981 | Amsterdam Spirits Competition | Gold Medal |
These early awards built the brand’s “Gold Medal” legend — they’re literally printed on the bottle. After Prohibition and later, Jack Daniel’s didn’t enter many modern competitions, because by then it was selling by the millions.
Unlike many craft or premium bourbons, Old No. 7 rarely enters modern competitions, and when it does, it typically earns respectable but not headline-grabbing results. More recent awards include:
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San Francisco World Spirits Competition
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Occasionally medals (e.g., Bronze or Silver for Old No. 7).
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International Wine & Spirit Competition
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Similar — Bronze/Silver level.
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Most major modern awards for Jack Daniel’s come from its premium range:
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Gentleman Jack
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Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
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Single Barrel
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Double Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
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Consistently wins Gold at IWSC.
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Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and other limited editions:
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Often win medals for premium design and quality.
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Summary: Why So Few Medals for Old No. 7?
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 is a massive-volume mainstream product — it’s more about consistency and brand heritage than modern craft competition. It’s known for:
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Lincoln County Process (charcoal mellowing)
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Classic sweet vanilla/caramel profile
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Being globally recognizable
But it’s not a typical “competition whiskey” like small-batch bourbons or single malts — its legend is more about history and marketing than shelves full of contemporary gold medals.
Key Takeaway
| Whiskey | Key Awards |
|---|---|
| Old No. 7 | 7 “historic” gold medals (1904–1981); occasional modern Bronze/Silver |
| Gentleman Jack | San Francisco World Spirits Competition — Gold |
| Single Barrel | San Francisco WSC — Double Gold; IWSC — Gold |
| Sinatra Select, Heritage Barrel, Tennessee Honey, Bonded | Various modern medals, usually for premium packaging and taste |