A few weeks back I had the esteemed pleasure of sitting in on a tasting with Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett. It’s funny to think that I grew up only a couple of hours’ drive from where Jeff does his magic but wound up meeting him on the other side of the Atlantic in an East London pub. Of course, as the ‘nose’ behind one of the world’s most famous brands (and what I reckon is Tennessee’s biggest export), I suppose it’s not all that surprising that the chance to shake hands and sip whiskey with Jeff might take place anywhere across the globe.
Here’s a couple of videos from the tasting. I’m sure you’ll enjoy listening to Jeff talk about his role at Jack Daniel’s in the first and going through the distillery’s complete range of whiskies in the second. And yep, that’s me in the film sipping JD as he speaks. I had a blast learning about how this whiskey is made from only its seventh ever distiller. And of course, I loved getting to taste the range of his whiskies (not to mention taking home a bottle of Old No. 7 signed by Jeff). My favourite of the Jack Daniel’s tipples? I love the Single Barrel but must admit the Tennessee Honey is a most agreeable drink as well.
Master Distiller Jeff Arnett talks about the history of Jack Daniel’s.
Tasting the range of Jack Daniel’s whiskies
The tasting was held at The Macbeth pub in Hoxton, which in association with Jack Daniel’s, NME, and Spotify is hosting a series of intimate concerts in the celebration of “the spirit of Jack” including gigs by Chin Stroker, Juce, and Kele (from Bloc Party).
The Macbeth is located at 70 Hoxton Street, N1 6LP. Find out more at themacbeth.co.uk and nme.com/jackrocks.
