495. Heritage Showdown: Jack Daniel's, Knob Creek, Maker's Mark & Evan Williams

Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter are back at the Corner Rickhouse in Frankfort, Kentucky, just down the road from Buffalo Trace, settling in for a heritage distillery tasting that spans from the hills of Lynchburg, Tennessee, all the way through the heart of Kentucky bourbon country. The guys kick off with the latest annual drops from Jack Daniel's before crossing the state line to visit some of the storied names that built American whiskey into what it is today. Along the way, Jim and Todd also chat about the swirling acquisition rumors surrounding Brown-Forman, the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, and what it means for a legacy brand to stay independent.

On the Tasting Mat:

- **Jack Daniel's 10 Year Old Batch 5 (2026):** The newest annual release of Jack's decade-aged Tennessee whiskey, bottled at 97 proof with an 80/12/8 corn-rye-malt mash bill. The nose opens with inviting molasses, banana candy, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of chocolate alongside a light leather note. On the palate it delivers warmth well above its sub-100 proof, with brown sugar, candy cherry, and a lingering spice-driven finish. *(00:01:48)*

- Jack Daniel's 12 Year Old Batch 4 (2026): The 12-year step-up in the Tennessee Heritage series, clocking in at 107 proof. The nose is more muted than its younger sibling but shifts toward darker fruit — raisins, black cherries, and molasses. The palate moves away from the lighter candy notes into a drier, more structured profile with bitter chocolate, dried cranberry, and a savory, slightly green mid-palate character. *(00:09:35)*

- Knob Creek Blender's Edition 01 — Sweet Bourbon Blend: The first installment in a new Knob Creek blending series, this 10-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon is bottled at 106 proof and retails for around $45. The nose leans into vanilla and light Rick house funk rather than the brand's signature nuttiness. The palate follows with a light, vanilla-forward profile featuring cake batter sweetness and confectionary notes — a deliberate stylistic departure aimed at accessibility. *(00:14:35)*

- Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series — Steward's Release: The third entry in Maker's Mark's five-part Wood Finishing Series, finished on 10 toasted American oak staves and bottled at approximately 109.8 proof for around $75–$80. The nose is richly expressive — cherry pie filling, baking spices, cinnamon, and caramel. The palate delivers vanilla custard, honey, chocolate, cardamom, allspice, stone fruit, and a savory oak note on the back end. *(00:26:41)*

- Evan Williams America 250th Commemorative Edition Single Barrel (Barrel #233): A special single barrel release bottled at the patriotically meaningful 117.76 proof to honor the nation's 250th birthday. Barrel #233 was laid down December 15, 2018 and bottled March 2, 2026 — just over eight years of maturation. The nose features toasted caramel, peanut shell, oak, and dark berries. The palate is rich and layered with peach, berry, sweet oak, and a long finish, all for a remarkable $45 retail price. *(00:31:15)*

Jim and Todd wrap up with a ranking of all five pours, debating heritage versus innovation across some of American whiskey's most iconic names. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Tennessee tradition or a Kentucky bourbon devotee, this episode offers a wide-ranging tour through the legacies that built the brown water world we know today. Grab your favorite pour and enjoy the ride.

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