Review: Jack Daniel’s x McLaren McLxJD Tennessee Whiskey 2025
Jack Daniel and Bruce McLaren may have come from humble beginnings, but both built legacies that would become global powerhouses — one in whiskey, the other in Formula 1 racing. Bruce McLaren began in a small family garage in New Zealand, transforming a childhood passion for speed into a Formula 1 dynasty, with 22 world championships to its name, including its 10th Constructor’s Championship in 2024. Likewise, Jack Daniel channeled a youthful Tennessee curiosity for distillation into creating the world’s most recognizable whiskey.
In 2022, these two iconic brands joined forces. Jack Daniel’s made its Formula 1 debut on the McLaren MCL36 at the United States Grand Prix, marking the start of a high-octane partnership that aligned with McLaren’s 60th anniversary. It was a celebration of shared values — craft, community, and a relentless drive for excellence — brought to life through collaborative events across Australia, the UK, and the U.S., where fans were invited to “raise a glass to standout performances.”
To commemorate this partnership, Jack Daniel’s and McLaren released the first co-branded McLxJD 2023 Limited Edition Tennessee Whiskey, bottled at 80 proof, with a follow-up in 2024. In 2025, they turned up the dial with the McLxJD 2025 Edition, this time bottling Old No. 7 at a bolder 86 proof. Like previous editions, it’s made from Jack’s classic mashbill — 80% corn, 12% rye, 8% malted barley — and follows the same Lincoln county process: charcoal mellowed through 10 feet of sugar maple, then barreled at 125 proof after a 12-minute toast and a #4 char. This 2025 release remains non-age stated, indicating a minimum of four years in the barrel.
For Formula 1 fans, it’s another collectible from a collaboration that continues to build momentum. For whiskey enthusiasts, especially those loyal to Old No. 7, it presents a curious proposition: a familiar classic, now turned up a notch.
But does the jump to 86 proof bring more than just higher specs — does it introduce new character that truly sets it apart from the standard 80 proof? And while this edition is limited, could it spark enough demand for Jack Daniel’s to consider making an 86 proof Old No. 7 a permanent fixture?
Let’s take a lap with this latest release — and see how it crosses the finish line.
Jack Daniel’s x McLaren McLxJD Tennessee Whiskey 2025 Review
On the nose, this Tennessee whiskey opens with a mild suggestion of room-temperature banana bread — faint, and lacking the inviting aroma one might expect from a fresh loaf. Beyond that initial note, the whiskey needs time in the glass before additional aromas begin to show themselves. After a few minutes, hints of overripe pear and maple candy begin to surface, although they remain subdued. With a bit more patience, a faint trace of coffee beans eventually makes an appearance, but the overall aromatic experience remains underwhelming. The nose simply doesn’t offer much complexity or intrigue.
The palate, however, presents more character. It begins with a flavor similar to almond biscotti, quickly followed by the light bitterness of black walnut skin. As that bitterness fades, the whiskey shifts to a flavor profile that suggests sweet potato fries dusted with brown sugar and cinnamon. The cinnamon aspect is enjoyable, though it struggles to shine fully through the lingering bitterness. In terms of mouthfeel, it’s slightly denser than the standard Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, yet it still borders on thin.
As the finish approaches, flavors of sourdough toast introduce a mild acidity, eventually giving way to a drier version of apple strudel. The final impression circles back to Jack Daniel’s signature banana character — though here it leans toward the experience of chewing a browned banana peel, offering a mix of sweetness, earthiness, and bitterness.
Overall, this limited-edition release does manage to distinguish itself from the standard 80-proof Old No. 7. It’s an interesting bottle for dedicated fans of the brand or collectors. However, it’s unlikely to win over those without an existing appreciation for Jack Daniel’s. At $35 for a 1-liter bottle, the value is hard to argue with — it’s an affordable way to explore something different, even if it doesn’t completely deliver on all fronts.
86 proof.
B- / $35 (1 liter)
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