Jack Daniels Old No 7

Jack Daniel's Old No 7 is a Tennessee whiskey bottled at 40% ABV. It is not labeled a bourbon, because it goes through one extra step: the new-make spirit is filtered through charcoal before it goes into the barrel. That is the Lincoln County Process, and it is what separates Tennessee whiskey from Kentucky bourbon. Whiskeys made this way usually show a lighter, rounder texture and less raw grain bite than an unfiltered bourbon at the same proof. Expect a profile built around sweet corn, caramel and vanilla, with a light toasted-oak backbone and a faint touch of char and woodsmoke on the finish. The 40% strength keeps the spirit soft, and the finish tends to be short and clean rather than long and spicy. That gentle build makes it easy to drink neat, and a Glencairn is the glass to use if you want to pick out the caramel and oak on the nose. For slower sipping, pour it into a rocks glass over one large cube. The cold tightens the sweetness and slows the dilution, whereas small cubes water it down quickly. A few drops of water are worth trying too. At this strength it needs very little, but a small amount can open up the vanilla and soften the oak. In cocktails, the moderate proof and sweet, rounded character mean it blends in without overpowering other ingredients. In an Old Fashioned it works with a sugar cube, two or three dashes of Angostura and an orange peel, because its caramel notes match the sugar instead of fighting it. In a Manhattan it takes sweet vermouth well. Use a 2:1 ratio and a cherry garnish for a smooth, mild version of the drink. A Whiskey Sour with fresh lemon juice and a light simple syrup is a good choice for a more affordable pour, since the citrus brings out the whiskey's sweeter side. For a highball, pour over ice and top with ginger ale or soda water, then add a lemon or lime wedge. This is the simplest and most common way to use it as a mixer. For food, the sweet-and-smoky profile suits grilled and barbecued meats, particularly pork and ribs. It also goes well with salty snacks such as roasted nuts and aged cheddar.