How Much Is a 5th of Jack Daniels: What You’ll Actually Pay in 2026

How Much Is a 5th of Jack Daniels: What You’ll Actually Pay in 2026

Ever walked into a liquor store, looked at that iconic square bottle, and wondered why the price tag feels like a moving target? You aren't alone. One day it's a steal, the next you're checking your banking app.

Basically, if you’re looking for the short answer, a 5th of Jack Daniels Old No. 7 typically costs between $22 and $35. But "typically" is a loaded word in the world of whiskey. Pricing is kinda chaotic. Depending on whether you're in a high-tax state like Washington or a "control state" where the government runs the show, that number can swing wildly.

Honestly, even the term "fifth" is a bit of a throwback. It’s a relic of a time before the metric system took over the booze aisle. Let's break down what you're actually getting for your money and why your receipt looks the way it does.

Breaking Down the "Fifth" Measurement

First off, let’s clear up the lingo. When you ask for a fifth, you're buying a 750ml bottle.

Historically, a "fifth" was literally one-fifth of a US gallon. That’s about 757 milliliters. In the 1970s, the industry shifted to the metric 750ml standard to keep things uniform globally. You lost 7 milliliters in the process—basically a tiny sip—but the name stuck.

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You've got roughly 25.4 ounces in that bottle. If you're pouring standard 1.5-ounce shots, you're looking at about 17 drinks. If you're heavy-handed? Maybe 12.

The Price of Old No. 7 (The Black Label)

This is the flagship. The charcoal-mellowed classic. In 2026, the market for Old No. 7 has stayed relatively stable despite some inflation in the glass and transport sectors.

  • Big Box Retailers (Costco, Total Wine): These guys buy in massive volume. You can often snag a 750ml bottle for $22.99 to $25.99.
  • Local Liquor Stores: You’re paying for convenience here. Expect to see prices closer to $28 to $32.
  • The "Vegas" Factor: If you’re at a hotel gift shop or a high-end boutique in a tourist trap, don't be shocked to see it hit $40. It's robbery, but it happens.

Taxes: The Silent Budget Killer

Where you live matters more than what you drink. It’s the boring truth.

Take Washington state. They have the highest spirits tax in the country—over $35 per gallon in excise taxes alone. By the time you add the liter tax and the sales tax, that "cheap" bottle of Jack feels a lot more like a luxury purchase.

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On the flip side, if you're in New Hampshire or Wyoming, prices are kept low because the state controls the distribution and doesn't tack on the same aggressive excise percentages. It’s a weird patchwork. If you're traveling across state lines, it's often worth waiting to buy your Jack until you hit a "cheaper" zip code.

Moving Up the Shelf: Gentleman Jack and Single Barrel

Maybe you aren't looking for the standard Black Label. Jack Daniel's has done a great job of "premiumizing" their lineup lately.

Gentleman Jack is double-mellowed. It’s smoother, a bit more refined, and usually runs about $32 to $38 for a 750ml. It's the "I want to look like I've graduated from college" choice.

Then there’s the Single Barrel Select. This is where things get interesting. Because every barrel is different, the proof and flavor profile vary slightly. You’re paying for that uniqueness. In 2026, a 5th of Single Barrel will usually set you back $50 to $65.

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And if you’re looking at the Sinatra Select? Well, keep your credit card ready. That’s a liter bottle usually, but if you find a 750ml equivalent, you’re looking at $150+.

Why Prices Are Changing in 2026

You've probably noticed your grocery bill going up, and whiskey isn't immune. Brown-Forman, the parent company of Jack Daniel's, has had to navigate some tricky waters over the last year.

  1. Glass Shortages: Making those iconic square bottles requires a lot of energy and specific raw materials.
  2. Tariff Tensions: International trade deals sometimes result in "revenge tariffs" on American bourbon and Tennessee whiskey. When it gets more expensive to sell Jack in Europe, sometimes the domestic prices feel a little squeeze too.
  3. The "Premium" Push: Distillers are realizing people are drinking less but drinking "better." They're focusing more on limited releases, which can drive up the perceived value (and price) of the base labels.

Pro Tips for Saving Money

Don't just grab the first bottle you see at eye level.

  • Check the bottom shelf: Sometimes the 750ml is priced poorly compared to the 1.75L "handle." If you have the space and you know you’ll drink it, the handle almost always offers a better price-per-ounce.
  • Holiday Packs: Around November and December, Jack Daniel's often releases gift sets. These usually cost the same as a standard 5th but come with two rocks glasses or a tin. Free glassware is always a win.
  • Avoid the "Mini" Trap: Those 50ml nips are convenient for flights, but they are the most expensive way to buy whiskey. You'll pay 3x the price per ounce compared to a standard 5th.

Summary of 2026 Jack Daniel's Pricing

Variety Average Price (750ml) Why the price varies?
Old No. 7 (Black Label) $24 - $30 Mostly state taxes and retailer size.
Tennessee Honey / Fire / Apple $26 - $32 Flavored spirits often have a slight premium.
Gentleman Jack $32 - $38 Double charcoal mellowing process costs more.
Single Barrel Select $50 - $60 Higher proof and hand-selected barrels.
Jack Daniel's Bonded $35 - $45 100 proof and strictly regulated "Bottled-in-Bond" status.

What to Do Next

If you’re planning a party or just restocking the home bar, check a local price-matching app like Drizly or Total Wine's website before you head out. It’ll save you a few bucks and the headache of overpaying.

Also, keep an eye on the "Bonded" series. It's become a huge hit in 2026 for people who want a bit more "kick" than the standard No. 7 provides without jumping all the way to the Single Barrel price point. It’s basically the sweet spot for value right now.

Stocking up is all about timing. If you see Old No. 7 under $23, buy it. That’s about as good as it gets these days.