BEHIND THE BOTTLE

Jack 10? How about a Jack 9… then make it a rye.

If you would’ve told the ALCTD team during opening week that they’d one day have a Jack Daniel’s barrel under their portfolio, they would’ve laughed. Yet here we are—present day—and there’s no denying it: Jack’s rye is where the team truly sees the brand shine. Sure, you can argue that Jack’s age-stated or special-expression 80% corn releases demand attention, but at the end of the day it’s all about what’s actually available.

That’s why the moment Long had his first sip of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye (JDSBBP)- before they ever brought it into the shop- he told the team, “We have to entertain a pick.”

This pick happened during the 2025 annual Kentucky trip, with Tennessee as the final stop before heading back to our mountainous state. Honestly, a perfect way to end it. JD blackberry-lemonade slushies were had, cask-strength rye whiskey was flowing, and all of it in 80-degree weather. No complaints were filed.

Ylli and Long walked in knowing exactly what they wanted: a JD rye that stayed true to what JDSBBP fans expect from the shelf, but with enough unique character to clearly stand apart from anything store-bought. And the kicker? The hand-selected barrel rings in at the same price as the standard JDSBBP. Music to Long’s ears, of course.

What surprised everyone was just how many glasses in front of the ALCTD entourage were good enough to bottle. But one stood out among the rest. About 10–15 minutes in, Long asked Ylli to talk rankings and compare notes- and suddenly it was obvious. The winner wasn’t even close.

And hilariously enough? It was the only glass on the table from the famed Coy Hill rickhouse. They honestly hoped it wouldn’t be, just to prove that hype isn’t always hype. This time? Yeah… it was.

Pick Contributors: Ylli (AWGF), Long (The Don), Lan (The Intern)

Tasting Notes Contributors: AWGF, The Don, Chris (The King), Matt (The Muscle)

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