Jack Daniel's Releases 160th Birthday Bottle for Founder's Milestone

The Story Behind the Jack Daniel's 160th Birthday Bottle

In 2010, the Jack Daniel Distillery released a special limited edition bottle to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the birth of its founder, Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniel. Only 100 of these commemorative bottles were made, marked sequentially from 1 to 100. They featured the distillery's classic Old No. 7 Tennessee whiskey at 80 proof inside an opaque black bottle unlike any the distillery had used before.

The Early Days of Jack Daniel's

Jack Daniel was born in September 1850 in Moore County, Tennessee. His exact birth date is unknown, but the Jack Daniel Distillery commemorates his birthday on September 5th each year. From a young age, Jack worked with a Lutheran minister named Dan Call who also made whiskey on the side. Here, Jack learned the art of distilling and went on to open his own distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee in 1875 when he was just 25 years old.

Initially, Jack distilled his whiskey in 19th century copper stills heated in a cave spring. The Cave Spring Hollow became the site of his fledgling distillery which produced one barrel per day. In those early days, Jack personally went into town to sell his whiskey at the White Rabbit Saloon and other establishments for $2.50 per gallon.

The Growth of the Distillery

The quality of Jack Daniel's whiskey quickly gained notoriety across Moore County. Its smooth, charcoal-mellowed flavor became famous and Daniel expanded distillery operations to meet demand. Within a decade after opening, the distillery was registering federal distilling licenses for 100 barrels a year and was valued at $2,000.

The company continued changing hands between various investors over the years, but retained Jack Daniel as Master Distiller. He was involved in operations up until his tragic death in 1911 from a toe infection. But even without Jack himself, the distillery continued his traditions and producing his famed whiskey recipe for generations to come.

The 160th Anniversary Edition Bottle

In 2010, the distillery wanted to celebrate the many contributions Jack Daniel made to Tennessee whiskey. To commemorate the 160th anniversary of his birth a special single barrel whiskey was selected by Master Distillers Jimmy Bedford and Jeff Arnett.

This whiskey was aged for ten years and bottled at 80 proof into a striking opaque black bottle numbered "28" to represent one of the limited centennial releases. The fonts and side label harkened back to historical bottles used over 100 years prior.

What's Inside the Bottle

Inside bottle 28 is the award-winning Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey. This 80 proof whiskey uses Jack's original grain bill of 80% corn, 12% barley and 8% rye. It is distilled to 155 proof before being mellowed through 10 feet of hard sugar maple charcoal then matured in new charred white oak barrels.

This particular single barrel was aged in the "rick" house for 10 years. The extra aging gives it a richer amber color and robust flavors with a long charcoal mellowed finish featuring sweet vanilla, toasted oak, and spice that Jack Daniel's is renowned for.

Collectability of Centennial Decanters

For collectors, these bottles quickly became coveted items synonymous with American whiskey culture. Despite a limit of one per person to purchase, they still exchange hands between collectors for several thousand dollars.

These anniversary editions kicked off yearly limited releases to celebrate Jack's birthday. Later editions expanded from single barrel offerings to small batch selections. Each release varies the proof and ages based on the distiller's profiling that year making every vintage unique.

The Legacy of Jack Daniel

While Old No. 7 remains the dominant product, it all started from one man's talents over a century ago. Jack set the standard that the Jack Daniel Distillery upholds today as it spreads to international acclaim as an iconic brand. The 160th birthday bottle brought his legacy full circle and honored the history of whiskey making in Tennessee.

As people toast over drinks, the black bottle serves as a symbol of celebration both historically and for the people enjoying its contents today. For bottle 28 owners, it commemorates Jack's contributions and the special anniversary this elixir will forever be a part of.

FAQs

What was special about the 160th birthday bottle?

Only 100 of these limited edition bottles were released to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the birth of Jack Daniel's founder. The bottles featured a unique opaque black design, different from the classic Jack Daniel's bottle.

Why was 2010 chosen for the special release?

Jack Daniel was born in September 1850. So in 2010, it marked 160 years since his birth. The Jack Daniel Distillery decided to commemorate this significant milestone with a special bottle.

What was inside the anniversary bottle?

The 160th birthday bottle housed the award-winning Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey. It was 80 proof, aged for 10 years, and bottled from a single barrel selected by the master distillers.

Is the 160th edition popular with collectors?

Yes, the anniversary bottles are very popular with whiskey collectors. Despite only being allowed one bottle per person, they continue being sought after, trading between collectors for thousands of dollars even today.

Has Jack Daniel's released more anniversary bottles since 2010?

Yes, following the success of the 160th edition, Jack Daniel's began releasing special limited release anniversary bottles each year for Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniel's birthday on September 5th. These celebrate different milestones and bottle designs.