Episode
495. Heritage Showdown: Jack Daniel's, Knob Creek, Maker's Mark & Evan Williams
- Podcast
- The Bourbon Road
- Published
- May 13, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2681
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Summary
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. T…