Jack Daniel's Tennessee Taster's selection 003 Barrel Reunion #1.
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Taster's selection 003 Barrel Reunion #1. Straight Tennessee Whiskey Finished in Red Wine Barrels...
Condition: New. Collector.
Fill level: New. In the neck.
Whiskey still produced: No. Limited edition.
Category: Bourbon.
Distillery: Jack Daniel's Still producing.
Bottler: Distillery Bottling.
Bottling series: Half bottle.
Vintage: 2014.
Bottling Year: Spring 2019.
Stated Age: 5 years old.
Cask type: Newly made handcrafted white oak barrels. Red Wine Barrel finish.
Strength: 45% Vol. (90 proof).
Size: 375 ml.
Colouring: No.
Bottle code:
Country Origin: USA.
Market: USA.
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Taster’s Selection 003 Barrel Reunion #1 is one of the most distinctive and experimental releases in the Tennessee Tasters line up. This edition explores the impact of red wine barrel finishing, bringing together Tennessee whiskey and seasoned wine casks in a way Jack Daniel’s rarely attempts.
For this release, the distillery selected barrels that previously held rich, full‑bodied red wine and reunited them with Jack Daniel’s whiskey. The interaction between the charcoal‑mellowed spirit and the wine‑soaked oak creates a profile unlike any standard JD bottling: deeper fruit tones, enhanced tannins, and a layered sweetness that pushes the whiskey into new territory.
Bottled at high proof and produced in very limited quantities, Barrel Reunion #1 was available only at the Lynchburg distillery, making it a sought‑after item for collectors who appreciate experimental cask finishes.
Tasting Notes (Red Wine Barrel Influence)
Nose
A striking combination of dark berries, red wine tannins, and oak spice. Notes of black cherry, plum, and raspberry compote rise above the classic Jack Daniel’s vanilla and caramel. The wine cask adds a subtle vinous aroma, giving the nose a richer, more elegant dimension.
Palate
Full‑bodied and fruit‑forward. The red wine barrels introduce flavours of ripe blackberry, dark grape skin, and mulled fruit, layered over Jack Daniel’s signature caramel, molasses, and charred oak. Mid‑palate brings gentle tannins, a touch of cocoa, and a warm spice reminiscent of clove and cinnamon. The wine influence adds depth and complexity without overwhelming the Tennessee whiskey character.
Finish
Long, warming, and beautifully balanced. The finish carries lingering notes of red fruit, dry oak, and a soft wine‑like acidity that cleans the palate. A final wave of vanilla and toasted wood ties it back to its Jack Daniel’s roots.
Key Characteristics
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Red wine barrel finish — the defining feature of Barrel Reunion #1
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Distillery‑exclusive release
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Extremely limited production
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High‑proof bottling for concentrated flavour
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Hand‑labelled, small‑batch presentation
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Part of the experimental Tennessee Tasters series
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 |