Three Wise Men

The Three Wise Men is a straightforward and potent shooter that brings together three distinct styles of whiskey in one glass. It combines the smoky notes of Johnnie Walker Scotch, the sweet corn and caramel of Jim Beam Bourbon, and the charcoal-mellowed character of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey. This drink is not about subtlety but about the bold fusion of flavors and the immediate warming effect. It is a popular call in bars for those seeking a strong and quick drink.
Three Wise Men

Preparation

Preparation time: 1 minute

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Three Wise Men is categorized as a classic shot. It is a simple, potent drink served in a small glass and is intended to be consumed quickly in one gulp.

Serving

Served neat in a standard shot glass at room temperature, this is a small but very strong drink. It is designed for quick consumption.
Serving size
Approximately 1 oz / 30 ml
Alcohol content
Approximately 40-43% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Room temperature
Glass type
Shot glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The origin of the Three Wise Men shot is not formally documented, but it is believed to have emerged in American bars during the latter half of the 20th century. The name is a clever play on the biblical Magi who visited the infant Jesus. In this context, the "wise men" are the iconic founders or master distillers behind the three chosen brands: Johnnie Walker, Jim Beam, and Jack Daniel's.
Origin
United States, likely originated in the 1980s or 1990s. Its creation is attributed to American bar culture rather than a specific individual or establishment.

Three Wise Men

The drink is almost exclusively known as the "Three Wise Men." The name directly references the three "wise" distillers represented: Johnnie Walker, Jim Beam, and Jack Daniel's. Any alternative names are descriptive rather than common usage.
Original name
Three Wise Men
Alternative name
A Trio of Whiskeys

Characteristics overview

This shot presents a complex whiskey aroma and a bold, spirit-forward flavor with notes of oak, smoke, and caramel. The finish is long and warming, with a smooth yet fiery texture.
Flavor
Whiskey-forward, oak, grain, smoky, caramel, vanilla
Aroma
Strong alcohol, oaky, grainy, sweet, peaty
Taste balance
Strong, spirit-forward, warming
Aftertaste
Long, warming, whiskey burn, complex grain notes
Fizziness
None, still
Color appearance
Amber, golden brown, clear
Texture
Smooth, liquid, warming burn
Seasonality
Warming, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is an intensely alcoholic and spirit-forward shot with very low sweetness, sourness, or bitterness. Its main characteristic is its high alcohol strength and the complex grain flavors from the whiskeys.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This shot requires three specific types of whiskey: Scotch, Bourbon, and Tennessee Whiskey. The classic recipe calls for Johnnie Walker, Jim Beam, and Jack Daniel's in equal measures.
  • Scotch Whisky1/3 oz / 10 ml
    Traditionally Johnnie Walker Red Label is used.
  • Bourbon Whiskey1/3 oz / 10 ml
    Traditionally Jim Beam White Label is used.
  • Tennessee Whiskey1/3 oz / 10 ml
    Traditionally Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 is used.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed beyond a jigger for accurate measurement. The ingredients are poured directly into the serving glass.
  • Jigger for measuring

Instructions

The preparation is extremely simple: just pour equal parts of the three specified whiskeys directly into a shot glass and serve.
1. Measure 1/3 oz (10 ml) of Scotch Whisky and pour it into a shot glass.
2. Measure 1/3 oz (10 ml) of Bourbon Whiskey and add it to the same shot glass.
3. Measure 1/3 oz (10 ml) of Tennessee Whiskey and add it to the shot glass to complete the mixture.
4. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

The Three Wise Men shot is served without any garnish. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and potency.
  • None

Dietary Information

This drink is generally considered free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten (as gluten proteins are removed during distillation). It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This shot contains approximately 70 calories per serving, all of which come from the alcohol itself. It is free of carbohydrates and sugar.
Calories
Averagely 70 kcal / 293 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
0 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
0 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This shot is best suited for high-energy social settings like parties or a night out with friends. It often serves as a celebratory toast or a bold start to an evening.
  • Party
  • Night Out
  • Celebratory Toast

Pairing suggestions

As a potent shot, the Three Wise Men is not usually paired with food. It is sometimes followed by a beer, known as a "beer back," to cleanse the palate.
  • Beer back (a simple lager or pilsner)
  • Not typically paired with food

Three Wise Men: A Trifecta of Whiskey Power

The Three Wise Men is a classic, no-frills whiskey shot renowned for its strength and simplicity. It combines three world-famous whiskeys—Johnnie Walker Scotch, Jim Beam Bourbon, and Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey—into a single, powerful experience. This drink is a staple in bars for those seeking a quick, warming, and potent toast. While not a drink for sipping or savoring intricate flavors, it offers a unique blend of smoke, sweetness, and charcoal character in one swift gulp.