Jack Daniel’s is no stranger to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what Tennessee whiskey can be. Their latest release in the Single Barrel Special Release lineup, the 2024 Coy Hill Barrelhouse 8, continues this tradition, offering a nuanced, high-proof whiskey that expands on the legacy of previous Coy Hill releases. This whiskey is the newest addition to a series that began with the highly acclaimed 2021 Coy Hill High Proof, which boasted one of the highest proof points ever commercially released by Jack Daniel’s. However, with the 2024 release, the distillery has focused less on achieving extreme proof levels and more on balancing potency with a richly complex flavor profile.

A History of High Proof and Unique Aging

The Coy Hill releases from Jack Daniel’s have garnered a reputation for bold flavors and exceptional craftsmanship. Named after Coy Hill, a high elevation area at the Jack Daniel’s distillery, these whiskeys are aged in the highest and hottest barrelhouses, which creates conditions ideal for producing robust, high-proof spirits. The 2021 release was notable not just for its exceptional proof—some barrels reached over 150 proof—but also for its intense and multi-layered flavor profile. In 2022, the distillery followed up with a second release, further cementing the Coy Hill line’s place in the hearts of enthusiasts.

For 2024, the Coy Hill Barrelhouse 8 Special Release changes the approach slightly. All barrels in this release were drawn from Rickhouse #8 and come from the 5th and 6th floors, rather than the topmost levels known as the “buzzard’s roost” (where the 2021 and 2022 Coy Hill releases were sourced). This change in elevation affects the aging conditions, leading to a different evaporation rate and, consequently, a lower overall proof range, which varies between 122 and 137.5

The Technicalities: What Makes Coy Hill Barrelhouse 8 Unique?

The Coy Hill Barrelhouse 8 release showcases Jack Daniel’s traditional Tennessee whiskey mash bill: 80% corn, 12% rye, and 8% malted barley. After distillation, the whiskey undergoes the Lincoln County Process, where it is mellowed through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal before being transferred to new, charred American oak barrels for aging. This process, integral to Tennessee whiskey, imparts a smoothness and removes certain impurities that would otherwise dominate the whiskey’s flavor profile.

The barrels used for the 2024 release were all filled on September 4, 2013, making this whiskey just shy of its 11th birthday. While the 2021 Coy Hill High Proof hit 147 proof in some barrels due to the intense heat at the top of the barrelhouse, this year’s release averages a more approachable 134.7 proof. The decision to age these barrels on the 5th and 6th floors ensures a rich, full-bodied whiskey, without the excessively high alcohol content that made the 2021 release almost hazardous to handle (it was reportedly illegal to carry on a plane due to its high proof)

Tasting Notes: Complexity and Balance

The Jack Daniel’s Coy Hill Barrelhouse 8 Single Barrel is defined by its complexity and layered flavors. On the nose, it opens with rich aromas of spiced baked apples, brown sugar, and caramel, complemented by undertones of whiskey-soaked barrel char and hints of candy apple. There’s also a touch of ethanol, which is expected given the proof, but it doesn’t overpower the other scents. As the whiskey breathes, it develops an earthier, slightly mushroomy note, adding depth to the aroma profile.

On the palate, the whiskey is chewy and full-bodied, with initial flavors of brown sugar and cinnamon powder that evolve into rye spice, vanilla, and charred oak. The palate experience is both sweet and spicy, resembling a freshly baked cinnamon apple pie with a drizzle of caramel. A Nutella-like chocolate quality lingers on the tongue, accompanied by a faint bitterness from the oak, which prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying. As the whiskey opens up further, the gingerbread and orange peel notes emerge, adding a subtle citrusy brightness to the finish.

The finish is long and warming, with pronounced cinnamon and rye spices that slowly fade into softer baking spices and medium oak. The sweetness of apple pie lingers on the palate, while a building heat ensures that each sip ends on a satisfyingly bold note. While the whiskey is best enjoyed neat to appreciate its full intensity, adding a splash of water can open up the flavors even more, highlighting the chocolate and vanilla notes while mellowing the alcohol’s sharpness.

The specific aging conditions and floor locations of the barrels play a crucial role in developing the unique characteristics of Coy Hill Barrelhouse 8. The 5th and 6th floors of Rickhouse #8 have a slightly lower temperature range compared to the top floors, leading to a slower maturation process. This allows the whiskey to interact with the charred oak at a more measured pace, resulting in a flavor profile that retains the boldness associated with Coy Hill but with a more nuanced expression.

Master Distiller Chris Fletcher and his team at Jack Daniel’s have meticulously selected 258 barrels for this release. The whiskey from these barrels was never moved during its nearly 11-year aging period, allowing it to mature in one consistent environment. The resulting expression captures the essence of the Coy Hill series while offering something distinct—both in terms of proof and flavor complexity.

Impression

Priced at $80 per 750mL bottle, the Coy Hill Barrelhouse 8 is relatively accessible for a special release, particularly given the attention to detail and the aging process involved. Jack Daniel’s has maintained a tradition of keeping its special releases reasonably priced, which has only added to their desirability among collectors and enthusiasts alike. With limited availability and high demand, securing a bottle of Coy Hill Barrelhouse 8 will be a challenge, but one that is certainly worth the effort.

This release is expected to be popular not only because of its exceptional quality but also due to its connection to the previous Coy Hill releases, which have become highly sought-after collectibles. For those lucky enough to get their hands on a bottle, the Coy Hill Barrelhouse 8 promises an elevated drinking experience that balances the strength of a high-proof whiskey with the refined complexity Jack Daniel’s is known for.

A Worthy Successor to the Coy Hill Lineage

The 2024 Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release Coy Hill Barrelhouse 8 is a masterful addition to the Coy Hill series, embodying everything enthusiasts have come to love about these high-proof, complex whiskeys. While it doesn’t reach the extreme proof levels of its predecessors, it compensates with a richer and more nuanced flavor profile that showcases the impact of different aging conditions within the same rickhouse.

What makes this release particularly compelling is its ability to be both a powerful and approachable whiskey. The layers of flavor—ranging from spiced baked apples and caramel to gingerbread and Nutella—offer something for both seasoned whiskey drinkers and those new to the world of high-proof spirits. Its relatively tame proof (by Coy Hill standards) makes it easier to appreciate without the need for dilution, while still providing enough intensity to satisfy those looking for a bold experience.

For collectors and connoisseurs, the Coy Hill Barrelhouse 8 represents a must-have bottle that not only adds to the narrative of the Coy Hill series but also stands out as a testament to Jack Daniel’s ingenuity and commitment to quality. As the distillery continues to push the boundaries of what Tennessee whiskey can be, the Coy Hill series—and this release in particular—will undoubtedly remain a shining example of modern American whiskey-making at its finest.

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