Jack Daniel's 12 Year Tennessee Whiskey Review: A Thorough Taste Through of 2025's Batch 03 Release
- Nick Anderson
- Jun 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 8
“Virtue lies in the middle ground.”
- Jose Rizal
Now smack dab in the middle of the age statements that Jack Daniel's has resurrected from the annals of this historic distillery, batch 03 of the 12 year expression aims to satisfy the whiskey enthusiast looking for a little more than the simplicity of Jack's Old No. 7. Bumping up the proof from 97 to 107 as you go from the 10 year to the 12 year expression will likely help this appeal to drinkers who have sampled their fair share of pours. Higher proof doesn't always mean more or better flavor, though. When comparing the first release of the 12 year expression to batch 02 of the 10 year expression, I actually slightly preferred the lower proof offering. Since then, the 10 year expression has unfortunately fallen out of my good graces. Ready to find out how this year's 12 year expression stacks up? Let's dive in.
Company on Label: Jack Daniel Distillery
Whiskey Type: Tennessee whiskey
Mash Bill Percentages: 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye
Proof: 107°
Age: 12 years
MSRP: $95 (2025)
Further identification: This is batch 3 of the 12 year expression, which first released in March of 2023
Nose: The nose immediately leads with a lovely, vibrant richness of caramel. It's oily in feel, as flan and butterscotch jump to mind. The glass is warm and inviting as deep inhales comfortably pull out aromas of Baked Alaska with a beautiful rum flambé. Complex hints of cinnamon bread, whipped cream, and rich oak round out a whiskey free of complaint. After a few sips, the whiskey gets a touch complacent in its character, finding revelry in boisterously imparting the same caramel and butterscotch that the glass led with. Flashes of beautiful, crystalline, creamy complexity continue to tug at my heartstrings as I yearn for more of the perfection this liquid is hiding beneath its surface. I'm aware that this is a lovely whiskey, but it's a touch shy and currently hiding behind a wall of vanilla bean and oak, which is not all that unpleasant in its own right. Deep inhales late in the glass produce a marshmallow sweetness I wasn't expecting. There's an underlying earthiness that reminds me of the pine forests of Northern Maine. The empty glass smells of fresh leather, damp green oak leaves, and a verdant forest floor.
Palate: On first sip I find a cohesive, creamy, and sweet whiskey leading with the fluffy egg white and sugar of a meringue that dances on the taste buds near the front of the tongue. In a surprise twist of simplicity, I find the flavors run right up the middle of the tongue, imparting only a little bloom of complexity that adds caramel and raisin bread. Another taste adds further wood spice and a subtle peanut brittle to the mix as dry cinnamon stick and black pepper begin to sap the tongue of its moisture. In redeeming moments, the creaminess from the early nose transposes to the palate, and all is right again. It's a delicate balance that occasionally sings but sometimes temporarily violates my trust. Sipping slowly and patiently returns the glass to a place of reverence in a classic whiskey profile. Hints of raisin add to the overall depth as the linger begins to build in intensity. Sipping off the well-rested glass elevates a whiskey that feels bottled at just the perfect proof. Caramel Werther's, tart black cherries, and just a kiss of cardamom round out a lovely dram.
TL;DR: An evolving pour that runs right in the comfort zone for a patient, longtime enthusiast
Rating: 4/5
This is a whiskey that demands patience. With subtle undulations in quality and character, this is the kind of pour that will reward those who are willing to sit with a glass and really get to know the creator. While this is certainly good, it's not quite Jack Daniel's 14 year good. You can find my review for the 14 year expression here, and if you're really loving my writing, feel free to buy me a coffee!
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