Tasting the Trend: Tennessee Fire and Kentucky Fire Go Head-to-Head with Fireball

by Marcos Espinoza on Nov 3, 2014 in Liquor

Like it or not, we are all cogs in the hype machine, slowly turning towards the tipping point where “I’ll never try that garbage” gets crushed between the gears of curiosity and mob mentality. When it comes to drinking, the assimilation sometimes catches you by surprise, and more often than not, resistance is futile. Such is the scenario in which we found ourselves when a recent trip to the liquor store led to a cart full of cinnamon flavored whiskeys. Antifreeze recalls be damned, we had to see what the zealotry was all about, and whether or not the reigning cinnamon whisky shot champion, Fireball, could be dethroned by a couple well-known whiskeys trying to get in the game.

Champion: Fireball
ABV: 33% (66 Proof)
Tagline: Tastes Like Heaven, Burns Like Hell
Shot Glass with Purchase: Yes
Tasting Notes: We “enjoyed” each of these flavored spirits as intended, in shot form, lest we give too much legitimacy to any of them. First up was Fireball. If this is what heaven tastes like, I’m strongly considering going back to church. Although whiskey is the backbone of each of these flavored spirits, Fireball--with its lower ABV--tasted nothing like whiskey. Don’t get me wrong, I prefer my whiskey at cask strength and full of peat and smoke, but that’s typically if I’m in the mood to sip. When I’m in the mood for quick delivery, I’ll reach for this moving forward. It was basically like drinking liquid Red Hots candy, something else we had a hard time putting down as children until our hands and faces were bright red with shame and Red Dye #40.

Challenger: Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire
ABV: 35% (70 Proof)
Tagline: None, but a story about the Jack Daniel Fire Brigade on one side of the label and claims of a smooth, intense finish on the other side.
Shot Glass with Purchase: No
Tasting Notes: There is a slightly more pronounced whiskey flavor with the Tennessee Fire, and the cinnamon flavor delivers more heat than sweet. Of the three, I would probably mix this one into a cocktail, but Fireball still has the edge.

Challenger: Jim Beam Kentucky Fire
ABV: 35% (70 Proof)
Tagline: None
Shot Glass with Purchase: No
Tasting Notes: I’m pretty happy we decided not to get too caught up in this whole experiment and limited ourselves to a couple miniatures of the Kentucky Fire. There was little to no cinnamon in this one. The liqueur infusion had more of a Beam and Coke flavor than a cinnamon flavor, which is how I typically like my Jim Beam, so I’ll probably stick to the regular bourbon and avoid the premium for the artificial flavor and flaming Guy Fieri label.

Verdict: Both Jim Beam and Jack Daniel’s are going to have a hard time beating Fireball’s first mover advantage. They have the marketing firepower, but it will take more than a propylene glycol smear campaign to douse Fireball’s sales fury. Plus, Fireball’s formula is much more shot-friendly, and while we probably won’t be seeking it out on a regular basis, if Steve from sales shoves a shot of Fireball in our face at the next company outing, we will definitely partake.


Tags: Whiskey
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Baltimore's Coolest Rooftop Bars for Summer Drinking

Baltimore's Coolest Rooftop Bars for Summer Drinking

Whether it's on warm summer nights or with the briskness of spring and fall evenings, drinking is often at its best when it's al fresco. ...read more ›

by Jennifer Waldera Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore During Summer 2019

Whether it's on the waterfront with seafood and crushes or on a dog-friendly deck with whiskey, outdoor drinking is a staple in this city....read more ›

by Jennifer Waldera May 14, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close