Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Surprisingly Ranked Near Bottom in Taste Test

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a taste test of six Jack Daniel's whiskey products, the brand's classic Old No. 7 black label ranked second-to-last, surprising the reviewer who expected it to be a top performer. While still a solid mixer, Old No. 7 was described as "extremely sweet" compared to other Jack Daniel's offerings that were bolder, spicier, and less cloying in flavor.

Why it matters

As the world's best-selling whiskey, accounting for 96% of Jack Daniel's total sales, Old No. 7's poor performance in this taste test challenges the conventional wisdom about the quality and appeal of the iconic black label. It suggests consumers may be better served exploring some of Jack Daniel's other, higher-ranked whiskey products that offer more complexity and less sweetness.

The details

The reviewer compared Old No. 7 to other Jack Daniel's bottles in the taste test and found it to be "extremely sweet for an unflavored whiskey," which may have contributed to its low ranking. While still a solid mixer for cocktails, Old No. 7 didn't stand out as a great sipping whiskey on its own. In contrast, the reviewer praised the Jack Daniel's Bonded Rye as bold, smooth, and complex, making it a better choice for neat pours or old-fashioned cocktails, even though it costs about $12 more per 750ml bottle.

• The taste test was conducted in March 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Consumers interested in exploring higher-quality Jack Daniel's offerings beyond the classic Old No. 7 may want to try the Bonded Rye, Gentleman Jack, or Single Barrel Select expressions, which received stronger reviews in the taste test.