Updated March 2026.
There is no official “best sour mash.” Sour mash is a fermentation process — leftover stillage, or backset, is added to the next mash — not a TTB class of whiskey. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 prints 40% on the Brown-Forman US sheet / jackdaniels.com. Jim Beam White prints Proof 80. Most American whiskey, including bourbon, is sour-mashed. A 1.5-ounce pour at 40% is one NIAAA drink. No 2026 ranking or MSRP.
Related: what is sour mash, bourbon vs sour mash, Jack Daniel’s line.
Process vs class
| Language | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Sour mash | — |
| Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 | 1.00 |
| Jim Beam White | 1.00 |
| Bourbon / Tennessee | From labeled ABV |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Four Old No. 7 pours are four drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- 27 CFR 5.143 has no sour-mash type. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 40% on Brown-Forman US product-info / jackdaniels.com (prior this project). Beam White Proof 80 prior official.
- Tennessee whiskey is a state/TTB path, not “sour mash whiskey.” NIAAA December 2025.