Tag Archives: Jack Daniels

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is one of the most celebrated bourbons in the world, crafted by the renowned Sazerac Company. Over the years, it has received numerous accolades for its quality and craftsmanship, standing out as a classic American bourbon.

Interestingly, India reduced the import duty on bourbons to 50% earlier this year, paving the way for more premium labels to enter the country. Buffalo Trace has already made its way here and is priced at around ₹5,000 in Mumbai for a 750ml bottle (ABV 45%). It is also available in Goa, Delhi, Pune, and Chennai, where it may retail at a lower price.

What Makes a Bourbon?

Bourbon is a distinctive style of American whiskey, made with at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. While it is often associated with Kentucky, it can legally be produced anywhere in the U.S. An interesting point is that the spelling of whiskey in America is usually with an “e.”

A fun fact: Jack Daniel’s, which enjoys immense popularity in India, technically meets the definition of bourbon but is more widely recognized as a Tennessee Whiskey.

Why the Name “Buffalo Trace”?

The name pays tribute to the mighty American Buffalo, a symbol of rugged independence and pioneering spirit. It reflects the brand’s heritage and its homage to America’s early frontier history.

How It’s Made

Buffalo Trace Bourbon is crafted using a low-rye mash bill of corn, malted barley, and rye. The grains are fermented with a proprietary yeast strain, then distilled twice—first in a column still, then in a doubler—to refine the flavor.

It is aged for 6–8 years, considerably longer than most bourbons, in new charred American oak barrels. Once matured, the barrels are carefully selected and blended, ensuring that each batch matches the distillery’s “Gold Standard.” If it doesn’t meet the benchmark, it simply doesn’t get bottled.

The whiskey is produced at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the U.S., with over 200 years of heritage. It has earned the title of the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery.

The Master Distiller

Buffalo Trace has been shaped by legendary names such as Colonel E.H. Taylor, George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, and Elmer T. Lee. Today, the bourbon is overseen by Harlen Wheatley, who became Master Distiller in 2005. He is the sixth Master Distiller since the Civil War era.

Packaging

The bottle design is classic and understated, reminiscent of vintage whiskey bottles. The front label is simple yet striking, featuring the image of a buffalo alongside the brand name. The side label details the whiskey’s heritage and production.

Notably, Buffalo Trace contains no added color—its rich amber hue comes naturally from years in charred oak barrels.

Nosing Notes

Strong notes of vanilla, caramel and brown sugar
Hints of honey and toasted oak

Tasting Notes

Complex aromas of vanilla, mint, and molasses
Flavors of brown sugar, spice, oak, toffee, dark fruit and anise
Smooth, balanced and layered

How to Enjoy

Buffalo Trace is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, though it works equally well in a classic bourbon cocktail. In India, many drinkers may prefer it mixed, but its smoothness makes it worth trying in its pure form.

Conclusion

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey delivers an impressive balance of flavor, smoothness, and heritage. While bourbon isn’t as widely consumed in India compared to Scotch or blended whiskies, Buffalo Trace offers a premium experience that justifies its reputation.

At ₹5,000, it may be a niche purchase, but for those who enjoy Jack Daniel’s or other American whiskeys, Buffalo Trace is a natural next step. Its quality explains why it continues to win awards worldwide – and why it deserves a place on your shelf.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple introduced in India

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Consolidating its leadership position in the flavoured whiskey segment, Jack Daniel’s recently announced the introduction of Tennessee Apple in India. It will be the third flavoured whiskey to be introduced in India after Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire. The company would like to add more consumers to the whiskey category.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple is crafted from the iconic Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, charcoal mellowed and matured in new American oak barrels, and apple liqueur made from the highest quality ingredients to deliver a delicious Jack Daniel’s experience. Jack Apple is a deliciously smooth and refreshing apple-flavoured whiskey that’s uniquely Jack.

The initial launch has taken place in Mumbai, Goa, Pune and Gurugram and will soon be rolled-out in other parts of the country.

“Mr. Jack was known for being an innovator and always exploring how to do things differently, including adding different flavours and ingredients,” said Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller, Chris Fletcher. “Tennessee Apple is a perfect blend of crisp, green apples enhanced by the sweet bold notes of Jack. It is like a freshly picked apple in a glass of Jack.” Currently, they have no plans to launch another flavour in the near future, he points.

Says Siddharth Wadia, General Manager – India, Middle East and North Africa, Brown-Forman Worldwide LLC, “After a great response to our other flavoured whiskey brands, we are excited about our latest offering to our consumers in India and I am sure will help us expand the Jack Daniel’s consumer franchise in the country. With in-home consumption on a rise and consumers looking for varied options, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple will surely connect with not only existing friends of Jack, but also enable us to make new friends.”

It’s available in retail stores (at 70 proof, 750 ml bottle) with a starting price of `2300 and it is recommended to serve Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple chilled – neat, on the rocks or with tonic water for people who love cocktails.

Jack Daniel’s announces Global Relaunch of its Brand

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Unveils platform titled ‘Make It Count’, first global campaign in its 154-year history.

As part of the rebranding exercise and for the first time in its 154-year history, Jack Daniel’s is being relaunched globally with a new brand communication platform titled ‘Make it Count’. The idea behind the new tagline is to inject new energy into the brand.

With the new tagline the brand is looking to showcase a new way of thinking in its 154-year history to celebrate the people who drink it. And the campaign around is being focused on the impact on peoples’ lives when they decide to choose boldly and with purpose every day, much like Mr. Jack did throughout his own life. The new campaign will be brought to life through multiple executions on TV, social, digital, out of home and print platforms in 100+ countries simultaneously.

The inspiration for the campaign comes from a vintage Jack Daniel’s ad that read “Proudly served in fine establishments and questionable joints.”

Inspiration Ad for the Tag Line. Image Courtesy: Sinibooks

“With ‘Make it Count’ we have a long-term platform that resonates with consumers, especially in today’s environment, and carries the message of Jack’s bold, independent spirit,” said Matias Bentel, Chief Brands Officer of Jack Daniel’s parent company, Brown-Forman.

The brand hopes that the ‘Make it Count’ platform in the long-term resonates with the consumers, especially in today’s environment, and carries the message of Jack’s bold, independent spirit. The ‘Make It Count’ campaign will be celebrated and brought to life in India market as well through a multitude of brand activities over the next few months.

“The new creative platform reintroduces Jack Daniel’s to the world in a big, bold way that would create meaning and difference in the hearts and minds of the next generation of consumers,” Vineet Agrawal, Marketing and Commercial Director, India Area, Brown-Forman.