Tasting Tuesday: The Rye Showdown — Final Four and Championship

After weeks of blind pours and unexpected twists, the Rye Challenge has come down to the Final Four. What started as a broad field of contenders has been whittled down to just four glasses — three of them from Jack Daniel’s and one bold outsider from Bardstown. Admittedly, my rye shelf isn’t the deepest, but what I do have are quality bottles. And when it comes to hitting my sweet spot, Jack Daniel’s seems to have found the bullseye again and again.

The Final Four Blind

Matchup 1: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye Barrel Proof vs. Bardstown Origin Series Rye
Matchup 2: Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye vs. Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye

Glencairn #1

Color: Solid mahogany
Nose: Chocolate, caramel, banana, nutmeg
Palate: Chocolate, caramel, baking spice, banana — drinks more like a bourbon than a rye
Mouthfeel: Viscous and rich
Finish: Long, with chocolate-covered caramels and spice
Score: 92.2

Glencairn #2

Color: Copper
Nose: Banana, caramel, oak
Palate: Milk chocolate, caramel, brown sugar, oak
Mouthfeel: Thinner than #1 but still enjoyable
Finish: Spicy with vanilla and oak
Score: 83.3

Glencairn #3

Color: Copper
Nose: Cinnamon, caramel, apples, cherries
Palate: Apricots, cherries, baking spice, mint
Mouthfeel: Soft and smooth
Finish: Mint, spice, vanilla, apricots
Score: 79.3

Glencairn #4

Color: Near mahogany
Nose: Mint, chocolate, vanilla, oak
Palate: Cherries, caramel, a touch of banana
Mouthfeel: Creamy
Finish: Vanilla, caramel, oak, mint lingering
Score: 82.5

The Reveal

#1: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye Barrel Proof
#2: Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye
#3: Bardstown Origin Series Rye
#4: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye

The Results

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye Barrel Proof (92.2) def. Bardstown Origin Series Rye (79.3)
Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye (83.3) def. Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye (82.5)

Advancing to the Championship: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye Barrel Proof and Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye

The Championship Blind

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof vs. Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye

Color: Glencairn #2 was slightly darker. Advantage: #2
Aroma: Both were inviting, but #2 had more richness. Advantage: #2
Flavor: Higher proof made #2 bolder, but #1 was easier to drink and just as flavorful. Advantage: #1
Complexity: Layers of flavor in #2 made it the clear winner. Advantage: #2
Mouthfeel: Rich, creamy, full-bodied. Advantage: #2
Finish: Longer, more memorable. Advantage: #2

Overall Impression: Both were excellent, but in a head-to-head showdown, Glencairn #2 pulled away in the second half.

The Reveal

Glencairn #1: Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye
Glencairn #2: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof

The Result

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof (92.2) def. Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye (83.3)

Advancing: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye and Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye

Champion of the Rye Challenge

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof

Final Thoughts

So, I admit it. I’m a bit of a Jack Daniel’s homer. The Bonded Rye is half the price of the Barrel Proof, and if I’m being honest, it’s the bottle I’d reach for on most nights. It’s approachable, flavorful, and hits nearly all the same notes at a lower octane. If I’m smoking a cigar or want a pour on an ice sphere, then the Barrel Proof makes its case — loud and clear.

What I’ve gained through this challenge isn’t just a deeper appreciation for JD’s rye lineup, but for rye whiskey in general. Every bottle brought something interesting to the table, and even the “weaker” pours were far from unworthy. This was fun, eye-opening, and humbling — and I can’t wait to do it again next year.