Jack Daniels 12 Year
Overall Score: 8.25/10
Overall Value: 4.25/5
Distillery: Jack Daniel Distillery
Classification: Tennessee Whiskey
Company: Brown-Forman
Release Date: March 2023 (Batch 1)
Proof: 97
Age: 12 Years
Mashbill: 80% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 8% Rye
Color: Hazelnut
MSRP: $80 (2024)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The Jack Daniels 12-Year starts with a nose that offers gooey caramel and butterscotch, reminiscent of a caramel-brittle treat. There’s a subtle evergreen rye note in the background, along with cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese frosting.
On the palate, it’s like biting into the creamy caramel center of a Rollo candy. There’s a perfect balance of honey, vanilla, and a slight cola flavor, with subtle grape and char notes adding depth. The mouthfeel is light and oily, sitting exceptionally well. You’ll also experience the sweet cinnamon roll flavors from the nose, while flavors of orange continue to show through.
The finish is outstanding, offering a warm, melted caramel flavor with a comforting proof hug. While the oak isn’t as prominent for a 12-year whiskey, the finish evolves the palate’s flavors into a darker, richer sweetness, making each sip worth savoring. Take your time, or you might miss the more subtle nuances as they develop.
The Jack Daniels 12-Year is a clear step up from the Jack Daniels 10-year. With its layered nose, balanced palate, and richly evolving finish, it easily stands out.
Whether you find it at $80 MSRP or for maybe even a little above that, this is one bottle that deserves a spot in your collection for both its price and quality.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 8.5/10
Value: 4.5/5
THE NOSE:
The nose reminds me of a rye.
It has that deep cedar and creme brulee richness to it.
I also get a light fruity orange scent combining into almost a creamsicle profile.
THE TASTE:
It has a light oil mouth feel that sits exceptionally well. I get a sweet cinnamon flavor that reminds me of Christmas and the winter holidays.
It's very subtle cinnamon though like a cinnamon roll with cream cheese icing.
I also get more of that fruity juicy orange from the nose.
THE FINISH:
I really don’t get much oak on this at all from the 12-year age statement.
The finish really develops the flavors from the palate, evolving into a dark rich sweetness.
Certainly a whiskey to savor between sips, and draw out the full experience!
BUY OR PASS?
The Jack Daniels 12-year definitely beats the Jack Daniels 10-year. This is an exceptional bottle and would likely be top 5 on most home shelves!
The Hunter Says
Score: 8/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
The first thing that hits is gooey caramel, like a caramel-butterscotch brittle.
There’s a slight rye, evergreen note in the background, and then I get cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting.
THE TASTE:
Think of the creamy caramel center of a Rollo candy. There's honey, vanilla, and even a slight cola flavor.
I also pick up some grapes mixed with a bit of char, which adds a nice balance.
THE FINISH:
The finish is fantastic.
It’s like melted caramel sliding down your throat with a warm, proof hug.
Take your time with it, or you’ll miss some of the darker, richer flavors that pop up.
BUY OR PASS?
This is a darn good bottle, and quite the step up from the Jack Daniels 10-year.
The 10-year might have a more exciting nose, but the taste and finish of the 12-year definitely take things to the next level.
