Want to try something new instead of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7? I spoke to whisky experts to find out which bottles they choose when they want a similar taste—but better quality.
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 is a famous whisky. Its good quality and iconic look have made it the best-selling American whisky in the world.
The brand won its first award in 1904, but Jack Daniel’s is not just famous because of its history. Its Single Barrel range still wins big awards today, including Best Tennessee Whiskey at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards. Because of its long history, reliable quality, and affordable price, Old No. 7 is often the first whisky people try—and one they keep coming back to.
But if you want to explore more whiskies beyond this classic bottle, where should you start? I asked five whisky experts to share their favorite alternatives to Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof
“Old No. 7 is great for what it’s made for. It’s perfect for mixing drinks, easy to drink, and has that classic Jack Daniel’s flavor everyone knows,” said TJ Gamble, founder of the popular YouTube whisky channel Brewzle, in an interview.
Although Brewzle focuses on bourbon, Gamble explains whisky in a simple and friendly way. His advice is to slowly move up to better bottles while staying with flavors you already enjoy.
“Tennessee whiskey is charcoal-filtered, which makes it smoother and easier to drink. Many bourbons are much heavier, and jumping straight to them can feel overwhelming. A better approach is to choose a whisky with more age and higher alcohol strength, but still in the same flavor style,” Gamble explained.
He added, “Try Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof—it’s powerful, full of flavor, and easy to find. Or choose Jack Daniel’s Bonded, which is bottled at 100 proof. Both are a big upgrade from Old No. 7 but still taste like Jack Daniel’s.”
Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
My next expert moved away from the big, well-known brands and recommended Frank August. Its Kentucky Straight Bourbon was named World’s Best Bourbon at the 2025 IWSC.
“Frank August is one of the hottest brands right now. They are changing how people think about what makes whiskey cool, similar to what Jack Daniel’s did years ago,” said David Othenin-Girard, Spirits Buyer at K&L Wine Merchants. “They make an excellent small batch bourbon that is widely available and has won major awards.”
Priced at $70, it costs more than Jack Daniel’s No.7, but it is still a good value for a high-quality small batch whiskey.
Larceny Bourbon
If you want something closer to the price of Jack Daniel’s No.7, another expert recommends Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which costs about $27.
“Larceny is a great everyday bourbon,” said Jeff Bogursky of Vintage Kosher. “It’s smooth, not too sweet, and easy to enjoy. It’s a wheated bourbon that tastes good on its own or in a cocktail. Compared to Old No.7, it works well straight from the bottle and in the glass.”
I like sipping whiskey, but I also love an Old Fashioned, so this one is going on my gift list.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon
For something different from classic Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve is a great choice, especially because of its special barrel aging.
“Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon is smooth and rich, with strong flavours of vanilla, caramel, honey, and toasted oak,” says Richard Hawley, owner of the online whisky store The Whisky Vault, in an email.
He explains that the bourbon is aged in two barrels, which adds extra sweetness and softness. This makes it easy to enjoy for Jack No. 7 fans, while still feeling more premium and refined.
The price is slightly higher than Jack Daniel’s No. 7, but not so high that it feels risky to try. Because of this, it also makes a good holiday gift if you’re visiting friends or family.
GlenAllachie 12-Year-Old
Rob De Santis, a professional whisky YouTuber from Whisky In The 6, recommends a single malt Scotch whisky.
“The GlenAllachie 12-Year-Old is easy to drink, slightly sweet like a dessert, and full of flavour,” says De Santis.
The GlenAllachie distillery has improved greatly under whisky expert Billy Walker. Thanks to his barrel work, the brand now produces award-winning whiskies that often appear on top recommendation lists.
If you enjoy whiskey and want to explore something beyond bourbon, GlenAllachie is an excellent next step. De Santis adds, “By the time you finish the bottle, you’ll feel much more confident and experienced as a whisky drinker.”
Stick With Jack
Lastly, I spoke with whisky writer and consultant Phil Dwyer about replacing Jack Daniel’s No. 7.
“Jack Daniel’s doesn’t need a replacement,” Dwyer says. He points out that the brand has a strong history connected to music, movies, and popular culture, and has delivered consistent quality for many years.
“It’s hard to beat what Old No. 7 offers,” he adds. “Even in blind tastings, it performs very well against strong competition. Jack Daniel’s is sold worldwide for one simple reason—it tastes great.”
That’s the end of my list. Would you add something else, or do you agree with Dwyer and prefer to stick with Jack? Jack Daniel’s is a true classic in both taste and style. While I enjoy trying new whiskies, I always keep a bottle of Jack at home—especially during this time of year.
Published: 17th December 2025
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