Introduction
At times, I like to see what happens when whisky takes a playful turn. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry caught my eye for just that reason. It’s a blend of their classic Tennessee whiskey and blackberry liqueur—a flavoured expression that veers away from tradition. I went in expecting something light, maybe even bordering on dessert-like, but I was also curious if the balance held up or tipped too far into the sweet.
Nose
Right from the pour, the aroma leans heavily into ripe blackberry preserves. There’s an immediate jammy sweetness, but underneath that, I could still catch the familiar charcoal-filtered character that reminds me this comes from the Jack Daniel’s line. Alongside the fruit, a bit of vanilla and faint oak peek through if you give it a minute in the glass. It’s not complex, but it is inviting—especially for someone with a sweet tooth.
Palate
The texture is soft and easy on the tongue—this isn’t a whisky that asks much of you. The blackberry carries over clearly, bordering on syrupy but not overpowering. There's a light whiskey presence under the liqueur—noticeably more subdued than standard Jack Daniel's Old No. 7. The charcoal filtration smooths out the edges, leaving behind just a bit of spice and warmth. The sweetness is front-loaded but finishes cleaner than I expected.
Finish
The finish is short, with lingering notes of blackberry juice, a trace of vanilla, and a faint hint of dry oak. It tidies itself up quickly, without the lingering warmth you’d get from a stronger proof. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it thin, but it definitely doesn't overstay its welcome. For those who prefer a clean exit versus a smoky tail, that can actually be a plus.
Price and Value
This sits comfortably in the low-to-mid range for flavoured whiskies, and considering the bottle size and name recognition, I think the pricing is fair for what it is. This won't appeal to everyone—especially those after complexity or age—but if you're looking for a casual drinker, maybe even a base for summer cocktails, it earns its keep.
Background
Jack Daniel’s has increasingly explored flavoured expressions in recent years, and Tennessee Blackberry is one of the calmer efforts compared to the likes of their Tennessee Fire or Tennessee Honey. It blends their traditional Tennessee Whiskey with blackberry liqueur at a lower proof—35% ABV. Filtered through charcoal in the Lincoln County style and bottled in Lynchburg, this expression seems designed with wider palates in mind, particularly those who enjoy fruit-forward spirits or cocktails.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? Probably not for personal sipping, but I could see grabbing one for a summer get-together—it works well over ice or mixed with lemonade. Is it suitable for newcomers to whiskey? Absolutely. The low proof and sweetness make it a comfortable entry point, especially for those put off by stronger spirits.
What kind of situation suits this whisky? It shines most in casual moments—barbecues, backyard drinks, or as part of a batch cocktail. How does it stack up to other Jack Daniel’s flavoured offerings? I’d say Tennessee Honey is still the more balanced of the bunch, but Blackberry is less cloying than Fire and generally more subtle in flavour. If you're curious about sweeter whiskies or enjoy experimenting with mixers, it's worth a try.