Is Jack Daniel’s Whiskey or Bourbon?

Updated July 2026.

Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 is Tennessee whiskey, not labeled bourbon. Tennessee whiskey is a whiskey type produced in Tennessee; state law also requires charcoal mellowing (Lincoln County Process). Bourbon is a separate 5.143 type. Official US / Brown-Forman sheet this project prints Old No. 7 at 40%. Sour mash and charcoal are processes, not classes. 100 proof is not bottled-in-bond by itself. A 1.5-ounce pour at 40% is one drink.

Related: Tennessee whiskey vs bourbon, Jack vs Evan Williams, whiskey taste.

Class vs process

Language 1.5 oz drinks
Tennessee whiskey 1.00 at 40%
Bourbon Read the neck
Old No. 7 1.00
Charcoal / sour mash

A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.

Sources

  • 27 CFR 5.143. Tenn. Code charcoal-mellowing rule. legal.brown-forman.com US sheet / jackdaniels.com prior: Old No. 7 40%.
  • 100 proof ≠ BiB (5.88). NIAAA December 2025.
  • 27 CFR 5.143 type; TN charcoal rule
  • 27 CFR 5.143 type — different label

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