Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon Comparison (2024)

Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon Comparison (1)I love my side-by-side comparison series, and today I look at a Tennessee whisky and a bourbon. The Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon. It has been so much fun putting the different bottles next to each other and tasting them. When you have something to compare it to, you start noticing the differences.

The good points and the bad. In the past year, I have looked at the Woodford Reserve compared to the Jack Daniels Single Barrel, and I have looked at the Gentleman Jack compared to the Jack Daniels Old No 7.

Today I think it is time I compare the Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve. The one a Tennessee whiskey, the other a typical bourbon. Both of these releases are from the Brown Forman stable. Which one would be my favourite after tasting them side by side?

Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon Comparison (2)Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon Comparison (3)

Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey

Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon Comparison (4)Gentleman Jack whiskey was introduced in 1988 as an upscale offering to appeal to consumers who wanted to move to a more premium brand. It is twice filtered through sugar maple charcoal. The mashbill for this release is 80% corn, 8% rye and 12% malted barley.

First, it is charcoal mellowed before going into the barrel. Then it is sugar maple charcoal mellowed again after reaching maturity, before being bottled. This Tennessee whiskey is known all around the globe.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon Comparison (5)Woodford Reserve is a brand of small-batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation. A distiller named Elijah Pepper began producing small amounts of whiskey in 1797 and soon afterwards built a distillery. The distillery changed hands a few times and then fell in disrepair.

The mash bill for Woodford Reserve features a high percentage of rye. It has a 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malt ratio. The Woodford Reserve does not have an age statement but is matured for around 6 years.

Comparison: Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey

Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon Comparison (6)

Gentleman Jack whiskey
Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Price$ 40$ 25
Mashbill80% corn, 8% rye, 12% malted barley72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malt
ABV
43%43.2%
Colour
Golden dark copperClear honey amber
NoseSpicy oak, caramel and vanilla sweetness and faint hints of wood smoke. It has a sophisticated edge to it.Honey sweetness with apricots and oranges. There are bits of condensed milk richness mixed with vanilla and hints of spices
PalateSmoky oak and hints of charcoal. Herbal notes are coming through mixed with chocolate, rich dark roast coffee, hints of pepper and cinnamon intertwined with cherry sweetness and vanilla. The palate is bold and quite a big mouthful.Oak and sweetness perfectly balanced with a bit of apricot and cinnamon spiciness. Notes of tangy winter fruits and vanilla mixed with toffee. Rich, buttery and smooth with a full body and a satisfying mouth feel
FinishMedium length with dark Indian spices and faint bits of charcoal and vanilla.Long and lingering and ends in notes of sweet spices
GeneralTennessee whiskeyBourbon whiskey
My RatingExcellentExcellent
Rating on Whizzky3.5/5 out of 833 ratings3.7/5 from 969 ratings
CommentsIt has a distinctive personality, smooth, complex but it easy drinking and smoother and richer than the regular Jack Daniel's Rich and buttery with a great balance between sweet and spicy.
Pairs well withButtered NY strip steakAged Parmesan cheese, dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, Hawaiian Pizza

This side by side is one of those comparisons where I have a definite favourite. In my opinion, the Woodford Reserve bourbon stands head and shoulders above the Gentleman Jack. It is slightly richer and smoother when I taste it side by side and all-round just easier drinking.

Having said that, the Gentleman Jack is by no means a bad whiskey. I did not mind a second glass of the Gentleman. It is sophisticated and the smoky oak dark coffee and chocolate notes make for an inviting combination. My palate just liked the Woodford Reserve more. I replace my bottle of Woodford Reserve Bourbon more frequently, and if that is not the best indication of which is best, I don’t know what is.

Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon Comparison (7)Loading ...

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye whiskey

Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon Comparison (8)Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon Comparison (9)

Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon Comparison (2024)

FAQs

Is Woodford better than Gentleman Jack? ›

This side by side is one of those comparisons where I have a definite favourite. In my opinion, the Woodford Reserve bourbon stands head and shoulders above the Gentleman Jack. It is slightly richer and smoother when I taste it side by side and all-round just easier drinking.

What whiskey is better than Gentleman Jack? ›

Sinatra Select is so much better than Gentleman Jack. That's not necessarily saying much though because Gentleman Jack is mediocre, inoffensive, and boring.

What does Woodford Reserve compare to? ›

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Its sweet taste, similar to Woodford Reserve, has hints of brown sugar, oak, dark fruit, and toffee spices. You can expect a smooth and long-lasting finish with serious depth.

Is Gentleman Jack top shelf? ›

A. Yes! By most definitions, Gentleman Jack is considered to be a top shelf whiskey. It's put through a second mellowing process that makes it more smooth, and more expensive to produce as a result, it's typically kept on the upper shelf at most bars which carry it.

What are the three best bourbons? ›

The List: Best Bourbon, According To The Experts
  1. W. L. Weller, 12-Year-Old Bourbon. ...
  2. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon. ...
  3. Old Ezra 7-Year-Old Bourbon. ...
  4. Widow Jane 10-Year-Old Bourbon. ...
  5. Four Roses Single Barrel.
9 Nov 2022

What is similar to Gentleman's Jack? ›

From my memory, Gentleman Jack and Elijah Craig Small Batch have this somewhat similar dried grass and nutty note that often exists in Jack Daniels, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, and some Wild Turkey whiskeys.

What is the smoothest whiskey for shots? ›

Jameson is often considered the best choice when it comes to shooting whiskey. The smooth taste makes it easy to drink, and the high alcohol content ensures you'll get a good buzz. Best of all, Jameson is relatively inexpensive, making it a great value for your money.

Which whiskey has the smoothest taste? ›

11 Best Sipping Whiskeys to Drink Straight
  • Westland Peated Whiskey.
  • Buffalo Trace Bourbon.
  • Colonel E.H. Taylor Straight Rye.
  • Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon.
  • Laphroaig Quarter Cask.
  • Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon.
  • Yamazaki 12 Year Old Whisky.
  • Bulleit Bourbon.
26 May 2022

How does Woodford Reserve rate as a bourbon? ›

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Rating

Woodford Reserve is a decent, if not unmemorable and uninteresting bourbon. It has some nice honey and vanilla flavors complemented with a splash of fruit, but the brittle charred and dried wood and corn traits take away from the overall drinking experience.

Is Woodford Reserve a top shelf bourbon? ›

Why We Liked It: Woodford Reserve is a known whiskey brand that offers top-shelf whiskeys. It produces a perfectly balanced taste and comprises more than 200 flavor notes from the oak and bold grains. It has rich spices, sweet aromatics, fruit, and floral notes that are best to enjoy neat.

Is Woodford Reserve considered a good whiskey? ›

Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a highly respected bourbon with a reputation for being one of the best premium small batch Kentucky straight bourbon whiskies on the market today.

Why is Gentleman Jack so good? ›

Fast Facts. Crafted to be easy-drinking and smooth, without a lot of burn on the finish, it's an ideal entry-level sipping whiskey. The double-charcoal mellowing gives it a different, slightly sweeter and rounder flavor than Jack Daniel's flagship Old No. 7, and many drinkers prefer Gentleman.

How does Gentleman Jack rate? ›

Gentleman Jack was tasted at Meeting No. 94 on September 16, 2020. Out of 5, we rated it 2.83. Gentleman Jack ranks 42nd overall in American Whiskey.

Why is Gentleman Jack so smooth? ›

Gentleman Jack Whiskey Overview

While both are maple charcoal filtered / mellowed prior to barreling, Gentleman Jack Whiskey is charcoal filtered one more time prior to bottling, supposedly adding complexity and mellowness to the whiskey.

What is considered the best bourbon on the market? ›

  • Best Overall: Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon. ...
  • Best Value: Maker's Mark Bourbon Whiskey. ...
  • Best for Sipping: Widow Jane 10-year Bourbon. ...
  • Best for co*cktails: Michter's US1 Bourbon. ...
  • Best Under $50: Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon. ...
  • Best Under $100: Noah's Mill Small Batch Bourbon.

What is the Holy Grail of bourbon? ›

Pappy is the holy grail of bourbons and very difficult to find.

What bourbon does not give you a hangover? ›

Spiritless Kentucky 74. The Spiritless Kentucky 74 is one of the greatest smooth whiskey you'll ever have. You may now reduce your alcohol intake without missing out on the taste of whiskey since it has the same authentic flavors as whiskey but without the unpleasant effects of alcohol.

Is it better to drink bourbon straight? ›

Straight or neat is the best way to enjoy bourbon and let all the subtle intricacies of the aromas and flavors truly come together. While often used interchangeably, there's a subtle difference between neat and straight. Neat means that you don't add any water or ice.

Is Gentleman Jack better than No 7? ›

There is a definite improvement from the Jack Daniel's Old No 7 to the Gentleman Jack. Gentleman Jack is smoother and easier to drink than Old No 7. The distinctive Jack Daniel's distillery notes are there, but in the Gentleman, it fits together better.

What does Gentleman Jack stand for? ›

Jack. The most obvious lesbian-related word in Gentleman Jack is the “jack” of the title. This was a 19th-century slang term for lesbian. But Lister herself used the word in the slightly more specific sense of masculine-presenting lesbians, which is reflected in the second series of the show. BBC.

Why do they call it Gentleman Jack? ›

What does Gentlemen Jack mean? The title is actually a reference to the name Lister was given during her life by her neighbours, who ridiculed her appearance and sexual preferences – with the 'Gentleman' referring to her masculine appearance and 'Jack' being another word for 'lesbian' in that era.

What is the hardest alcohol to take a shot of? ›

Here are 12 of the strongest liquors in the world.
  1. Polmos Spirytus Rektyfikowany Vodka. Proof: 192 (96% alcohol by volume) ...
  2. Everclear 190. Proof: 190 (95% alcohol by volume) ...
  3. Golden Grain 190. ...
  4. Hapsburg Absinthe XC. ...
  5. Balkan 176 Vodka. ...
  6. Sunset Very Strong Rum. ...
  7. Stroh 160 Rum. ...
  8. Devil's Springs Vodka 160.
29 Jul 2022

What is considered the best tasting whiskey? ›

The World's Best Whiskey
  • Best Bourbon: Knob Creek 12 Year Old Bourbon.
  • Best Rye: Frey Ranch Straight Rye Whiskey.
  • Best Single Malt Scotch: The Glen Grant 15 Year Old.
  • Best Blended Scotch: Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky.
  • Best Irish Whiskey: Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.
4 Sept 2022

What whiskey is easiest to drink? ›

The Best Whiskey for Beginners, According to Bartenders:
  • Elijah Craig.
  • Buffalo Trace.
  • Larceny Bourbon.
  • Rittenhouse Rye Bottled-in-Bond.
  • Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or.
  • Weller.
  • Macallan 18.
  • Suntory Toki.
22 Mar 2022

What is the #1 whiskey in the US? ›

Jim Beam bourbon whiskey, the number one best-selling American whiskey in the world by Beam Suntory, is sold in over 200 countries. The liquor is uncomplicated and friendly, perfect for people looking to get into American whiskey.

Is Woodford Reserve a sipping bourbon? ›

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Aromas of spicy wood and sweet grain dominate the nose, creating a strong palate of fruit-forward, peppery notes. A bold example of solid sipping bourbon.

What is special about Woodford Reserve? ›

Woodford Reserve is crafted from a grain recipe of 72% corn, 18% Rye, and 10% malted barley. This recipe balances the sweetness of corn with the spice of rye, and the nuttiness of malt to build the base for the world's most flavorful bourbon.

Does Jack Daniels own Woodford Reserve? ›

Some of the most recognizable names in American whiskey are Woodford Reserve, Old Forester and Jack Daniel's. These brands are owned by Brown-Forman, one of the largest American owned spirits companies in the world.

Can you drink Woodford Reserve neat? ›

While there's nothing wrong with drinking bourbon neat, a few drops of water will add a whole new dimension. “Water gives us rose and floral notes,” McCall says.

How long does Woodford Reserve last after opening? ›

Unopened liquor has an indefinite shelf life. Opened liquor lasts about a year or two before it goes bad, meaning it starts losing its color and flavor. Don't use a liquor for well drinks if you won't use the whole bottle within two years.

Is Woodford Reserve smooth? ›

Woodford Reserve is a superbly smooth, flavoursome bourbon, rich and full bodied with a sophisticated range of flavours. Excellent as a digestif after a rich meal.

Where does Woodford Reserve rank? ›

Woodford Reserve Rye ranks 33rd overall in Bourbon.

What drink goes best with Woodford Reserve? ›

Whiskey Sour

A blend of lemon juice, sugar and whiskey, this co*cktail is made even better when served with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. With sweet, aromatic notes from the extra year it spends in a heavily toasted barrel, this whiskey co*cktail recipe is a go-to for top bartenders across the country.

Why is it called Woodford Reserve? ›

Brown-Forman would name their new bourbon after Woodford County, the country in which it is produced. In 2005, the Labrot and Graham Distillery was renamed the Woodford Reserve Distillery and is recognized as the oldest distillery in Kentucky. The distillery was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2000.

What is the best way to drink Gentleman Jack? ›

Instructions
  1. 3/4 fill a highball glass with cubed ice.
  2. Pour Gentleman Jack over ice.
  3. Top with ginger beer or ale.
  4. Add lime wedge to garnish.

Why is Gentleman Jack not a bourbon? ›

Why is Gentleman Jack not a bourbon? It really comes down to the technicality of how the whiskey is made. Bourbons predominantly come from Kentucky and use a traditional filtration process, whereas Tennessee whiskey, specifically Gentleman Jack, undergoes a process known as the “Lincoln County Process.”

How do you drink Gentleman Jack neat? ›

If you're just starting to drink your whiskey neat, it's a good idea to order some ice on the side. You can take a few sips of the liquor neat and then add ice cubes one at a time to see how the temperature and dilution affects your drink.

Is Gentleman Jack better than Jack Daniels? ›

Which is better for sipping, Jack Daniel's or Gentleman Jack? Gentleman Jack is better for sipping. It is a smooth and easy-drinking spirit, making the brand a great beginner sipping whiskey. Also, it tastes great neat like other brands such as Knob Creek, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace.

Which is better Crown Royal or Jack? ›

If you enjoy the uniqueness of flavor you get by blending whiskeys together and a milder taste, go with Crown Royal. If you are one to prefer a bolder taste and stronger flavor, go with Jack Daniel's.

What is the highest quality of Jack Daniels? ›

Best Overall: Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Black Label Tennessee Whiskey. The Lincoln County process distinguishes Tennessee whiskey from all others, including bourbon. If you want a true taste of charcoal mellowing, turn to Old No.

Can you drink Gentleman Jack straight? ›

Gentleman Jack Bottling Note

The main difference is that it enjoys a 'double mellowing' as it's filtered through charcoal both before being filled into the barrel (the Lincoln County Process) and once again before it's bottled. Gentleman Jack is certainly good enough to enjoy on its own.

Why does Jack Daniels taste like bananas? ›

If you pick up a waxy, green-banana note in whisky, this is attributable to ethyl hexanoate, another ester that often also delivers pineapple and apple notes.

Is Woodford Reserve worth the money? ›

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Rating

Woodford Reserve is a decent, if not unmemorable and uninteresting bourbon. It has some nice honey and vanilla flavors complemented with a splash of fruit, but the brittle charred and dried wood and corn traits take away from the overall drinking experience. What is this?

What is the best tasting smoothest whiskey? ›

Top 10 Best Light & Smooth Whiskies
  • Auchentoshan 1978. Rating: 88/100. ...
  • Bushmills 21 Year Old. Rating: 87/100. ...
  • Auchentoshan 21 Year Old. Rating: 85/100. ...
  • Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare. Rating: 86/100. ...
  • Redbreast 12 Year Old. Rating: 84/100. ...
  • Knappogue Castle 1995. ...
  • Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask. ...
  • Tomintoul 14 Year Old.

What bourbon do cowboys drink? ›

Bulleit Bourbon stamps the words "Frontier Whiskey" on its bottle even though the brand has only been around in its modern form little more than a decade. In fact, all those brands were created well after the West was tamed, and also probably taste better than most offerings from 150 years ago.

What is the easiest whiskey to drink straight? ›

11 Best Sipping Whiskeys to Drink Straight
  • Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon.
  • Laphroaig Quarter Cask.
  • Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon.
  • Yamazaki 12 Year Old Whisky.
  • Bulleit Bourbon.
  • High West Campfire Whiskey.
  • Rittenhouse Straight Rye.
  • Woodford Reserve Bourbon.
26 May 2022

What is the number 1 whiskey in the world? ›

The Glenmorangie Signet is considered the best whisky in the world, thanks to its use of high roast chocolate malt barley with a blend of Glenmorangie's rarest whiskies matured in bespoke casks.

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