Review: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release 2026 – Boiler Hill #2 Rye

Jack Daniel’s has been dropping ultra-proof whiskeys  since the launch of the original Coy Hill Special Release, each one seemingly more popular than the last. For 2026, master distiller Chris Fletcher has a new trick up his sleeve for us: Five batches of barrel proof rye, including two from Coy Hill and three from two warehouses making their first appearance in the series: Boiler Hill (two batches) and Fire Brigade Fields (one batch).

So rather than try to hunt down one Special Release bottle this year, your work’s cut out for you in trying to find five. (PSA: Please do not try to hunt down all five.)

Per JD:

Matured for an average of 10 years and bottled at proof points ranging from 142.7 to 146.1, the launch represents some of the most unparalleled and limited Tennessee Rye Whiskey to emerge from the Lynchburg distillery. The batches also showcase how unique landscapes play a role in crafting intense, high character rye whiskey. Jack Daniel’s Special Release Small Batch Rye features Jack Daniel’s classic Tennessee Rye Whiskey mashbill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley, which is charcoal filtered before maturing in new oak barrels.

Fletcher notes that the charcoal mellowing process in the rye is much quicker and less impactful on the finished product than it is with the bourbon mashbill. (He also notes that of the 129 barrels pulled for this release, many were completely empty due to the high heat of the aging conditions. Angels, you’re welcome.)

JD sent us a sample of the Boiler Hill #2 release, which was distilled on July 11, 2017 and is aged for just shy of 9 years. It’s the largest batch in size and is bottled at the lowest proof of the five whiskeys at — laughs — 142.7 proof. That’s just a few proof short of last year’s Special Release Rye, Tanyard Hill. Let’s go full hazmat and give it a try.

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release 2026 – Boiler Hill #2 Rye Review

As with many of these releases, it can take some patience to really parse the nose of the whiskey. Time helps to reveal the underlying charm, a whiskey that is decidedly fruity and spice-driven, and smoldering with oak and tobacco notes. Fletcher talked up the cherry note on this whiskey at length, and while he is absolutely right, I found the cinnamon complementing the fruit to be more encompassing and rich. Dark chocolate and some mint also make aromatic appearances.

On the palate I expected — and received — an absolute barn-burner. It’s not just the high level of alcohol that sears the mouth and throat with tannic fire, it’s also the rye — bold notes of greenery and dried tobacco assaulting the senses and stripping away moisture. The experience absolutely transforms with the addition of water, and Boiler Hill #2 can take plenty of it. Dosed appropriately, those cherry notes that Fletcher found so prominent come completely alive, pairing with cinnamon, cocoa powder, and soothing vanilla to make for a very well-rounded and delightfully approachable experience. Mint syrup, raisin, and a touch of oatmeal cookie give the finish even more of a dessert-like quality.

Grab it if you can: Aside from resellers, it’s available at Jack Daniel’s White Rabbit bottle shop in Lynchburg, Tennessee exclusively — and only in half-bottles.

142.7 proof.

A- / $65 (375ml)

The post Review: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release 2026 – Boiler Hill #2 Rye appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.