Jack Daniels has been one of the most iconic American whiskeys ever since its founding by Jasper Newton Daniel all the way back in 1864.
In fact, I think most people would be challenged to name another Tennessee whiskey that has achieved half of Jack Daniel’s staying power.
But let’s face it – the whiskey wars are in full swing, and there are tons of competitors coming after Jack Daniel’s crown.
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I’ve identified a handful of whiskeys whose fans would claim (with some good reason!) that their whiskeys have surpassed Jack Daniel’s.
(I drew from a variety of different whiskey disciplines in an attempt to round out the list with lots of good options, not “only” American whiskies.)
Are they right?
Well, that’s for you to decide.
And chances are good you know the first competitor…
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The price: $$$$
What makes it great: Woodford Reserve gives you those hints of banana and orange in the aroma that I’ll forever associate with many American whiskies. It’s a great sipping whiskey, and it’s certainly priced like it.
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The price: $$
What makes it great: In addition to its iconic top, Maker’s Mark is a solid intro bourbon. It’s not as good neat as some of the others on this list, but it’s a great base for cocktails and mixed drinks. It’s also the cheapest whiskey on this list.
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The price: $$$
What makes it great: Remember that old Bud Lite commercial, “the difference is drinkability?” I feel like that applies here. It’s very smooth, with a nice brown sugary finish. Wild Turkey is a fantastic starter bourbon – just like our next option:
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The price: $2$$
What makes it great: Buffalo Trace is a Bourbon whiskey, and once you have a drink, you’ll forever associate Kentucky with its sweetness and hints of oak, anise, brown sugar, and toffee. It’s a good intro to Bourbon before you go into the stratospheric price points, and honestly it’s some of the best Bourbon you can get for under $30 – just a great value for the money.
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The price: $$$
What makes it great: Old Forester starts off strong and sharp (pine and pepper will do that), but the finish is mellow, with orange and vanilla foremost. Old Forester is actually produced by the same parent company as Jack Daniel’s.
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The price: $$$$
What makes it great: Johnnie Walker’s black label whiskey is smooth AND smoky, a great way to get a good-quality Scotch with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and fruit – all at a very reasonable price (for the quality).
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The price: $$$$
What makes it great: Talisker is probably my personal favorite whiskey, as it’s got that peaty single-malt scotch whiskey flavor profile – a real bite which masks the smooth, complex flavors until you get used to it.
An excellent sipping whiskey, and even better with chocolate!
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The price: $$$$$
What makes it great: Five Trail does blended whiskey, so it’s a blend of Colorado single malt and three separate bourbons all mixed together.
Five Trail may not be all that well-known, but one of their whiskeys just won the title of “world’s best whiskey” – so I’d say their stuff is definitely worth a try!
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The price: $
What makes it great: Jim Beam is popular for a reason – it’s cheap, and it’s sweet – maybe not the best sipping whiskey in the world, but it’s a great bourbon for any mixed drink.
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I couldn’t leave without giving Jack Daniels their due!
After all – let’s face it, “Jack and Coke” was easily the most common order I got when I was a bartender. And there’s a reason for that.
The price: $$$
What makes it great: Jack Daniels is smooth, a little on the sweet side (for a whiskey), and it’s got this beautiful vanilla palate that I really love in a sipping whiskey. Of course, it’s best with a mixer (like Coke, not Pepsi).
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So there you have it – nine whiskeys whose fans would swear up and down are better than Jack Daniels.
But here’s the thing – that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re RIGHT.
So here’s the big question:
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Is Jack Daniels still the #1 whiskey for you?
Or has it been dethroned by one of its many competitors?
Let us know in the comments!
Oh, and PS:
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I know you can’t really directly compare Jameson to Jack Daniel’s – or at least that’s what all the fancy whiskey folks in the comments say – but it’s my personal favorite outside of Talisker.
So I’m going to include it!
The price: $$$$
What makes it great: Jameson is a solid blended Irish whiskey, and it’s quite a bit smoother than most of the peaty scotches you might otherwise be accustomed to. It’s a little on the sweet side, with hints of butterscotch and honey. This is a good whiskey if you’re trying to introduce someone without burning their lungs.
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