It is not often I get excited about a bottle, let alone two bottles from the same distillery. Yet, this is the first of two reviews of bottles that I was not only ecstatic to purchase but was even more happy to find and purchase at only $15 over MSRP. I am not sure that today’s bottle needs any introduction as this brand is probably one of the most recognizable in the world. Nonetheless, today’s review comes from Jack Daniel’s Distillery and is Jack Daniel’s 12-year-old Batch 02.

Bottle Information

From the Jack Daniel’s website: Introducing Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey. The Jack Daniel Distillery is one of the most complete whiskey distilleries in the world, and we’re able to craft premium whiskeys in a way that honors our heritage while highlighting the modern-day world-class whiskey-making. To honor our distillery’s past, our Master Distiller, Chris Fletcher handcrafted these aged-stated whiskeys and evolved our whiskey process to achieve a rare flavor profile.

• Distiller: Distilled and Bottled by Jack Daniel Distillery
• Mash Bill:  80% Corn, 12% Barley and 8% Rye
• Proof: 107
• Age: 12
• Year: 2024
• MSRP: $95
• 2024 National Average: $205
• Official Website

Honestly, I did not think I would see either the Jack Daniel’s 10-year-old or the 12-year-old this year. Luckily, an awesome friend went to one of the local stores I shop at in February and purchased a gift card for my birthday. While there, the store owner mentioned to her that they were getting the bottles in later that day and she told me that afternoon; the rest is history. Since then, I have yet to see either of these bottles in NoCo and do not expect to unless they are way overpriced.

Overall, this bottle is one of the best examples of a classic Tennessee whiskey, bourbon to me, with those classic brown sugar, vanilla, and oak notes. This expression of Jack Daniel’s is my favorite product to date and provides almost a perfect balance of sweet and dry oak. I have loved the two JD10 bottles I have had, but dang! This JD12 is absolutely freaking amazing, hats off to you Jack Daniels Distillery! With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Maple, Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Gram Cracker, Banana Chips, and Oak
• Palate: Maple Long John Doughnut, Baking Spice, Caramel, Banana, Vanilla, and Oak
• Finish: Medium to Long with Notes of Sweet Caramel, Dry Oak, and Baking Spices
• My Rating: Save It! (I have loved the two 10-year bottles I have had, but dang! This JD12 is absolutely freaking amazing… hats off to you, Jack Daniels Distillery)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™