Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Taster’s Oat Stout Reunion Barrel #2 Review

By Randall Borkus

Rating: B

The Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee is known for its signature whiskey, filtered through sugar maple charcoal which creates the distinctive flavor that folks tend to love or hate, with few in between. The reality is that this brand is one of the top-selling American Whiskey on the market. Participating in the modern whiskey rage, with its proliferation of special releases, Jack Daniels has released the “Tennessee Tasters’ Selection” series.

The Jack Daniel distillery has released this limited edition experimental series of Tennessee whiskeys to expand their flavor spectrum experience for their fans.

In 2019 Tennessee Tasters’ offerings consisted of Barrel Proof Rye and Reunion Barrel #2.

The Reunion Barrel #2 whiskey is finished in Oatmeal Stout beer barrels producing a delicious, dense oat, vanilla, oak rolled into a creamy texture with hints of oats, coffee and chocolate-covered candy.

A middle Tennessee craft brewery finished their oatmeal stout in used Jack Daniels barrels.  The barrels made their way back to the distillery to be refilled whiskey and rested at least 240 days in now used beer barrels to create a delicious creamy finish in this limited release.

The Reunion Barrel #2, barreled in 2013, is bottled at 92 proof.  The label notes include Selection No. 005, released Fall 2019 and the signature of Kevin Brent Smith, Master Taster’s stamped on the label.  It is a beautiful 375 ml bottle that fits effortlessly in my jacket pocket for easy access.

The Whiskey
The whiskey color is a dark copper with oily legs clinging to the inside of my glass. The nose holds a hint of chocolate cherry candy draped in an oak wrapper.  The mouth feel is warm and creamy on the front palate and wraps around my tongue mid-palate with a touch of vanilla and oatmeal cream.  The flavor erupts with sensations of the traditional Jack Daniel’s heat that soothingly leaves distinct flavors of coffee and chocolate peach candy.  The overall finish is protracted and dry.

This is another interesting flavor adventure for the Tennessee whiskey lover.  I must admit this version really hit the spot for me.  I really enjoyed sampling this Tennessee whiskey.

The Price
This is sold in 375 ml bottles for $40 in limited quantities at the distillery and select Tennessee stores.  And some of it found its way to Australia where its available for a pricy $219 a bottle.