Friday, November 28, 2014

New Whiskey Labels: Jack Daniel's, Rebel Yell and More


This week's most interesting new labels from the federal TTB database:

Brown Forman cleared a label for Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold, a twice filtered Tennessee whiskey (a la Gentleman Jack) finished in maple barrels. Apparently, this was released in duty free shops a few months ago.  This label likely means it's headed for the U.S.

Luxco cleared a label for Rebel Yell Rye, a two year old rye distilled at MGP. 

Here's an idea.  Most people think of American whiskey aged in used barrels as sub par.  Instead, just rebrand reused cooperage whiskey as Eco-Whiskey made in "recycled" barrels.

Ever wanted to come up with a good name for a Scotch?  No problem.  Just take two common Scottish terms and put them together, like LochGlen.  Marketing genius!

Balcones cleared a label for a single barrel single malt to "celebrate the closing of another year."  And what a year it's been for them.  I'm thinking this will have a nose reminiscent of a Waco courtroom, a palate of restraining orders, incomplete quorums and unhappy investors.  There's no finish...yet.

Note:  The fact that a label appears on the TTB database does not necessarily mean it will be produced.  In addition, some details on the label, such as proof, can change in the final product.

7 comments:

Curt said...

Eco-Oak?!! Is there a big environmentalist demographic in the whiskey market? And even if you are going to be up front about your production, why would you think it a good idea to use the term "Eco" or "recycled" on the label?

Harry said...

Eco-whiskey, aged in used barrels. Hhhm. If I add some BBQ ashes to it or even liquid smoke, can I call it "local scotch"? The back label says that re-using barrels is "a simple idea [that] has been overlooked in the American whiskey industry . . . until now!" (emphasis in original, don't blame me). If I want 2 yr old bland whiskey, I'll buy Canadian (smirking; no hatemail, please). Somebody else, please, if this gets to a shelf, post your tasting notes. I'm curious but won't try it myself. Thanks, sku, for making my Black Friday.

Marduk said...

Good to see Rebel Yell Rye stating "Distilled and Aged in Indiana" on the back label.

Marduk said...

I don't know, man. Seeing someone else's name but Chip Tate on a Balcones label isn't going over well with me. Kibosh.

My Annoying Opinions said...

Yeah, but think of the auction value....

Anonymous said...

Not a fan of Jack.
However, I would be interested in trying this maple aged Number 27 so long as they price it reasonably. I think that the Jack Single Barrel is almost good, but so over-priced as to be completely unattractive.
Dan

Tadas said...

Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold is not cheap. Approximately $80 USD at Duty Free http://www.firstdutyfree.com.au/category/liquor/whisky/45409-jack-daniel's-no--27-gold-double-barreled-tennessee-whiskey-700ml