Introduction
Today, we’re diving into Jack Daniel's 12-Year Batch 1. Last week, we tried Jack Daniel's 10-Year, but now we’re stepping up with this older, higher-proof offering. At 107 proof, it feels like a sweet spot for us—enough kick without being overwhelming. The mash bill is Jack’s standard 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley, so the main difference here is the time spent in the barrel. This bottle carries an MSRP of $95, so we’re ready to see if the quality justifies the price.
This review is taken from our episode "Past Lives / Jack Daniel's 12-Year Tennessee Whiskey." Click the link to listen to this review in audio fromat.
Nose
Bob: Right away, even sitting six or eight inches away from the glass, I’m hit with banana pudding. Way more banana than I got on the 10-Year.
Brad: Oh yeah, this banana is the most pleasant version of Jack Banana I’ve ever smelled. It’s oaky, with some caramel and brown sugar rounding it out. There’s also this artificial mixed berry note that I really enjoy. It feels like the extra time in the barrel gave it some great bourbon-like depth. I’m at an 8/10 for the nose.
Bob: For me, it’s like that classic Southern banana pudding with vanilla wafers—both the artificial banana and the fresh banana slices. It’s really beautiful, and I like it way better than last week’s 10-Year. I’m giving the nose an 8.5/10.
Taste
Brad: This palate is incredible. The caramel morphs into a gorgeous butterscotch note, and the vanilla really shines. The brown sugar and banana are there but balanced, not overpowering. And that berry note transforms into what reminds me of Berry Blast Crunch, which, let’s be real, is the best version of Cap’n Crunch. It’s delicious. I’m at an 8.5/10.
Bob: I really enjoy this whiskey, but the banana that I was so excited for on the nose is almost absent for me on the palate. Instead, I’m getting heavy oak, along with earthy tobacco and leather notes. There’s also a black cherry note alongside classic brown sugar bourbon flavors. It’s good, but I wish there was a bit more complexity. I’m giving it an 8/10.
Finish
Brad: The finish doesn’t quite live up to the palate, but it’s still delicious. The caramel and banana linger nicely, with some oak taking over toward the end. It doesn’t get bitter, which is a relief, and there’s a little black pepper spice that keeps it interesting. I’ll give the finish an 8/10.
Bob: For me, the finish is solid but continues to simplify as I go. The complexity from earlier fades, leaving just vanilla extract and oak. Pleasant, but nothing special. I’m at a 7.5/10.
Balance
Bob: This whiskey had such promise on the nose, but the palate and finish didn’t quite carry it through. I was hoping for those banana pudding notes to dominate, but they didn’t. The components are good individually, but they didn’t come together in a way that wowed me. I’m at a 7.5/10 for balance.
Brad: I’m coming in higher here because, even though the individual parts aren’t perfect, they work together to create a really cohesive experience. It’s a rich, flavorful whiskey. I’m at a 9/10 for balance.
Value
Brad: At $95, this isn’t a cheap bottle, but for a 12-year age-stated whiskey, it’s priced fairly. I think the flavor justifies the price. I’m at a 7.5/10 for value.
Bob: I agree that $95 for a 12-year-old whiskey is reasonable, but for this price, I want something more complex. I wouldn’t rush out to buy it. I’m giving it a 7/10.
Final Scores
Brad: I’m coming out to a 41/50. This is the best Jack Daniel’s I’ve ever had, and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys their flavor profile.
Bob: I’m at a 38.5/50. It’s a good whiskey, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Still, I’d say it’s worth trying, especially if you’re a fan of Jack Daniel’s.
Overall: 39.75/50
Conclusion
Jack Daniel’s 12-Year Tennessee Whiskey is a solid pour that almost hits the 40/50 mark we use to classify something as a no-brainer buy. While Brad found it to be the best Jack Daniel’s he’s had, Bob felt it didn’t fully deliver on its promise. For fans of Jack or those who love banana-forward notes, this whiskey is definitely worth checking out, whether at a bar or by picking up a bottle.
