Are you a whiskey enthusiast trying to decide between Jameson Irish Whiskey and Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7? These two iconic whiskeys are often compared due to their popularity and distinct flavor profiles. While both are distilled spirits, they have distinct differences that set them apart.
Jameson Irish Whiskey is a triple-distilled whiskey made from a blend of malted and unmalted barley, maize, and pure Irish water. It is known for its smooth and mellow taste, with notes of vanilla, honey, and spice. On the other hand, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 is a Tennessee whiskey made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley malt. Its flavor profile is characterized by a smoky and sweet taste, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
n this article, we will take a closer look at the differences between Jameson Irish Whiskey and Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, so you can make an informed decision on which one to try.
Table of Contents
History: Jameson Irish Whiskey and Jack Daniel Old No. 7
Jameson Irish Whiskey’s History
If you are a whiskey lover, then you must have heard about Jameson Irish Whiskey. Jameson Irish Whiskey is one of the most popular whiskey brands in the world. The history of Jameson Irish Whiskey dates back to the 18th century when John Jameson, a Scottish attorney, established the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin, Ireland, in 1780. Jameson’s whiskey quickly gained popularity because of its smooth taste and high quality.
John Jameson’s son, John II, took over the distillery in 1820 and expanded its production. Jameson Irish Whiskey continued to grow in popularity and became one of the top-selling whiskey brands in the world. In 1966, the Jameson Distillery merged with two other Irish whiskey distilleries to form the Irish Distillers Group.
Jack Daniel Old No. 7’s History
Jack Daniel Old No. 7 is another popular whiskey brand that has been around for over a century. The history of Jack Daniel Old No. 7 dates back to 1866 when Jack Daniel introduced the whiskey to the world. Jack Daniel was born in 1846 in Lynchburg, Tennessee. He started working at a young age and was eventually taken in by Dan Call as an apprentice, a Lutheran minister, and distiller.
Jack Daniel learned the art of distilling from Dan Call and eventually started his own distillery. He used the local spring water and the finest grains to create his unique whiskey. Old No. 7 is named after the official registration number assigned to the distillery by the US government in 1866. The whiskey quickly gained popularity and became one of the top-selling whiskey brands in the world.
Production Process
Jameson Irish Whiskey’s Production Process
photo Editorial credit: Q77photo / Shutterstock.com
When it comes to Jameson Irish Whiskey, the production process is a carefully crafted and time-honored tradition. It all starts with the selection of the finest grains – malted and unmalted barley, and maize (corn). The grains are then milled and mixed with water to create a mash, which is heated to release the sugars.
The next step is fermentation, which takes place in large oak vats. Yeast is added to the mash, and the mixture is left to ferment for around 60 hours. This process converts the sugar into alcohol, creating a liquid called “wash.”
After fermentation, the wash is transferred to copper pot stills for distillation. Jameson Irish Whiskey is triple distilled, which means the liquid is passed through three separate stills to create a smoother, more refined spirit.
The final step is aging. The whiskey is aged in oak barrels for at least three years, which gives it its distinctive flavor and color. During this time, the whiskey takes on the flavors of the oak barrel, resulting in a smooth, mellow taste.
Jack Daniel Old No. 7’s Production Process
photo Editorial credit: Max Ksenofontov / Shutterstock.com
Jack Daniel Old No. 7 is a Tennessee whiskey that is made using a unique process called the “Lincoln County Process.” This involves filtering the whiskey through sugar maple charcoal before aging, which gives it a distinctive flavor.
The production process starts with the selection of high-quality grains, including corn, rye, and barley. The grains are then mixed with water to create a mash, which is heated to release the sugars.
After fermentation, the wash is distilled in copper stills. Unlike Jameson, Jack Daniel Old No. 7 is only distilled twice, which gives it a stronger, more robust flavor.
Once the whiskey has been distilled, it is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before being aged in new, charred oak barrels. The charcoal filtering removes any impurities and gives the whiskey its unique flavor.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, Jameson and Jack Daniels are quite different. Jameson is a smooth and mellow Irish whiskey that has a light and fruity flavor. It has a slightly sweet taste with hints of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. The finish is smooth and warm, with a subtle spice that lingers on the tongue.
On the other hand, Jack Daniels has a bolder and more robust flavor. It has a distinctive smoky taste that comes from the charcoal filtering process. The flavor is complex, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. The finish is long and warm, with a hint of spice that lingers on the tongue.
Price Comparison
When it comes to price, both Jameson Irish Whiskey and Jack Daniels Old No. 7 are relatively affordable options for whiskey enthusiasts.
Jameson Irish Whiskey is available at an average price of $20-$40 for a 750ml bottle. However, the price may vary depending on your location and the store you purchase it from.
On the other hand, Jack Daniels Old No. 7 is slightly cheaper than Jameson, with an average price range of $15-$30 for a 750ml bottle. However, Jack Daniels also offers premium versions of its whiskey, such as Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select, which can be more expensive.
Conclusion
If you prefer a smoother and slightly sweeter taste, then Jameson might be the whiskey for you. Its triple-distilled process gives it a smooth, mellow flavor that goes down easy. On the other hand, if you prefer a stronger, bolder taste with a hint of sweetness, then Jack Daniels Old No. 7 might be more to your liking. Its charcoal mellowing process gives it a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other whiskeys.
In terms of versatility, both Jameson and Jack Daniels Old No. 7 can be enjoyed on their own, with a mixer, or in a cocktail. Jameson is often used in Irish coffee, while Jack Daniels Old No. 7 is a popular ingredient in a variety of cocktails, including the classic whiskey sour.
Whether you choose Jameson or Jack Daniels Old No. 7, both are great choices for whiskey lovers. It’s all about finding the one that suits your taste buds and your budget.
