Hello,

Early in 2006 I was invited to attend a private party sponsored by Jack Daniels. Actually, the women I was dating at the time asked me if I liked Jack Daniels (I said of course) and also asked if I knew someone named Bedford. I said, “Jimmy Bedford” and she said “yes” that’s him! The event was held at a restaurant and we were initially seated at the bar (only 12 were invited). The bar portion of the restaurant was closed to other patrons during this event.

At the bar there were twelve place settings with three empty glasses sitting upon a leaflet that displayed the three signature whiskeys of Jack Daniels (Black, Gentleman, and Single Barrel). Our bar tender was none other than Jimmy Bedford! As the event began, Jimmy told us the history of Jack Daniels from its meager beginnings to the world wide sensation that it has become today.

When Jimmy finished the history lesson, he began to tell us how he judged Jack Daniels whiskey. He poured a glass of Jack Black Label for each of us and had us all pick up the glass and smell the whiskey. We then were instructed to taste the whiskey as Jimmy described several subtle differences that might be detected by the trained taster. We did this for each of the three whiskeys as Jimmy described what it was to be the Master Distiller at Jack Daniels distillery. It was truly an amazing event!

Before we left the bar, Jimmy signed several items which included a bottle of black label, a Jack Daniels flask, a leaflet with Jimmy’s picture, and later he even signed the restaurant menu. We all went to the restaurant and had dinner with Jimmy, which Jack Daniels picked up the tab. The best part of the entire night, during and after dinner, was sipping single barrel with Jimmy and hearing all of his great stories.

I would trade nothing for that night, but just out of curiosity what do you think all of the signed items might be worth???

Jack Daniels Connoisseur