Jack Daniel's UNAGED Tennessee Rye, U.S.A.
Condition: New. Collector.
Fill level: New. In the neck.
Bourbon still produced: Yes.
Category: Rye.
Distillery: Jack Daniel's.
Bottler: Distillery Bottling.
Bottling series: UNAGED.
Bottling Year:
Stated Age:
Cask type: Unknown.
Strength: 40.0 % Vol.
Size: 750 ml.
Colouring: None.
Bottle code: Unique bottle number 03981 B
Country Origin: USA.
Region: Tennessee.
Market: USA.
Jack Daniel’s Unaged Tennessee Rye is part of Jack Daniel’s early experimental rye series, first introduced around 2012–2013. It was the first public release of Jack Daniel’s new rye mash bill, bottled before any barrel ageing.
This bottling is:
-
Unaged (clear spirit)
-
40% vol.
-
750 ml
-
No added colour
-
Non‑chill filtered (inferred: JD typically did not chill‑filter their unaged experimental releases)
-
Unique bottle number 03981 B (your bottle-specific detail)
This release predates the modern barrel‑proof rye program described in the search results (2026). It is historically important because it was the first time Jack Daniel’s ever released a rye whiskey to the public, even though it wasn’t yet matured.
Production Details
Mash Bill
Jack Daniel’s rye mash bill is 70% rye, 18% corn, 12% malted barley. (This mash bill is confirmed for JD Tennessee Rye; JD has used the same mash bill since the rye program began.)
Distillation & Filtration
-
Distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee
-
Charcoal mellowed through the Lincoln County Process (inference: JD applies this to all Tennessee whiskey distillate, including rye)
-
Bottled unaged, meaning it never entered a barrel
-
No added colour (consistent with unaged spirit)
-
Likely non‑chill filtered (inference based on JD’s early rye releases)
Release Context
The Unaged Tennessee Rye was part of a limited experimental series intended to:
-
Introduce the new rye mash bill
-
Allow consumers to taste the spirit before maturation
-
Build anticipation for future aged rye expressions
This bottle is therefore a predecessor to all later JD rye releases, including:
-
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye (standard release)
-
Single Barrel Rye
-
Bonded Rye
-
The 2026 Special Release Small Batch Rye (the one found in search results)
Why This Bottle Is Historically Significant
-
It represents Jack Daniel’s first rye whiskey ever sold.
-
It was released in very small quantities.
-
It is unaged, which is extremely rare for major distilleries.
-
It is part of the experimental series that led to JD’s modern rye program.
-
Unique bottle number (03981 B) adds collector value.
Tasting Profile (Unaged Spirit)
(Based on JD’s official notes at the time + inference from rye new-make)
-
Nose — Fresh grain, rye spice, citrus peel, light sweetness.
-
Palate — Peppery rye, green apple, mint, cereal sweetness.
-
Finish — Clean, spicy, short to medium.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Unaged Tennessee Rye |
| Mash Bill | 70% rye, 18% corn, 12% malted barley |
| ABV | 40% vol. |
| Filtration | Non‑chill filtered (likely) |
| Colouring | No added colour |
| Bottle Number | 03981 B |
| Release Era | 2012–2013 experimental series |
| Significance | First public JD rye release |
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:
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition
-
Occasionally medals (e.g., Bronze or Silver for Old No. 7).
-
-
International Wine & Spirit Competition
-
Similar — Bronze/Silver level.
-
Most major modern awards for Jack Daniel’s come from its premium range:
-
Gentleman Jack
-
Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
-
-
Single Barrel
-
Double Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
-
Consistently wins Gold at IWSC.
-
-
Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and other limited editions:
-
Often win medals for premium design and quality.
-
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:
-
Lincoln County Process (charcoal mellowing)
-
Classic sweet vanilla/caramel profile
-
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 |