Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 Whiskey McLaren 2024 Edition Review

As summer is now upon us, I thought for this week’s review, I’d turn my attention to our friends across the pond, and look at a staple Tennessee whiskey, in the form of Jack Daniel’s.

Jack Daniel’s whiskey is one of the most iconic whiskey brands on the planet. Everybody’s heard of it, and everybody knows the unmistakable square bottle, complete with black and white label. For many, JD is always a trusty favourite when it comes to summer sipping. Another favourite pastime is Formula 1 motor racing. Combine the two, and you’re onto a winner.

When I read about JD’s latest limited-edition 2025 bottle, in collaboration with McLaren, I knew I had to get a review out. Unlike the previous year’s release, which saw regular Jack Daniel’s whiskey inside a limited-edition bottle, this year’s release features a few tweaks. It isn’t just your bog-standard Jack Daniel’s whiskey, which many, myself included, find quite intriguing…

Motor Racing’s Biggest Partnership?

Ordinarily, whiskey and racing do not go together, but in this instance, you can definitely make an exception.

Back in 2023, two of the world’s biggest brands collaborated, when Jack Daniel’s were announced as an official sponsor of the McLaren F1 racing team on a multi-year deal. As part of their collaboration, each year JD have unveiled a limited-edition collector’s bottle of their trademark Old No.7 Whiskey in unique packaging merging the colours of the two iconic brands. Known as McLaren Racing X Jack Daniel’s there is, of course the black and white colours that JD is known for, combined with McLaren’s signature papaya orange.

Last year was a great year for McLaren, as they picked up the coveted 2024 Constructor’s Championship. This year, they’ll be looking for an equally as impressive season, if not more so. While 2024’s limited-edition whiskey bottle certainly featured an eye-catching design, some fans were left disappointed as the whiskey contained within was no different to the Old No.7 whiskey you’ll find in virtually every supermarket in the country.

While limited edition bottles always sell very well (just look at Kraken rum as an example of that) some expected the whiskey to be slightly different. If you were one of these people, then you won’t want to miss the limited edition 2025 McLaren X Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, as this will indeed be unique.

Photo Credit: Jack Daniel’s

2025 McLaren X Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

Their third limited-edition whiskey in collaboration with the F1 racing team, 2025 will see the Lynchburg distillery’s whiskey bottled at a higher ABV to give a slightly different flavour and finish.

The whiskey begins its life with the same grain blend of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. It is also filtered in the same way, unique to a Tennessee whiskey, which is through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal. This gives it that unique mellow smoothness that JD is renowned for. Finally, it is matured in brand-new, handmade charred American white oak barrels for at least four years.

This year, the bottle and packaging are much more subtle, leaning more heavily to the branding of JD, rather than McLaren, which was the case last year. There’s much more black and white this year, with a hint of McLaren’s papaya orange on the bottom right of the label. A tyre track through the centre of the label completes the look. Personally, I prefer this year’s design to last.

As mentioned, this year’s release sees the whiskey bottled at a higher proof of 86, giving an ABV of 43%. Regular drinkers of JD will know that it normally features an ABV of 40%, or 80 proof. The higher ABV provides more body and a richer, more robust and complex profile.

On the nose, you get the signature burnt sugary maple vanilla sweetness, combined with a hint of smoked oak and black pepper. This time however, you get additional caramel notes with a touch of creamy vanilla custard.

On the palate, you should get plenty of honey and toffee flavours, vanilla ice cream, baked apple pie and custard, and black treacle to begin with. There’s also a hint of banana and pineapple, roasted oak, and freshly baked cinnamon rolls, complete with cream cheese and vanilla frosting.

The finish is longer and more full-bodied than the regular Old No.7. There’s more caramelised sugar, a whisper of oak smoke, creamy oats, and vanilla ice cream. Enjoy vanilla? You’re going to be blown away by this dram.

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at the diverse selection of unique whiskies we currently have in stock.

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.

Tags: Jack Daniel’sOld No.7 Whiskey

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.