A little background
Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2, part of the Aged Series, honors the brand’s rich whiskey-making traditions. Launched in 2021, the series features age-stated expressions that capture the essence of the liquid created over 150 years ago. Master Distiller Chris Fletcher emphasizes the artistry, passion, and craftsmanship in these releases. Batch 2 is charcoal mellowed and aged in new, toasted, and charred American white oak barrels, first in the upper floors of the barrelhouse and then in the lower ricks to extend maturation. With a grain bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye, this 107 proof (53.5% ABV) whiskey is available in limited quantities with a retail price of $95 USD.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Burnished
Nose
Caramel, cinnamon, citrus, and oak.
Palate
Lime jello, cherry, jalapeño (minus the heat, cinnamon caramel, vanilla, tropical fruit, pecans, and charred oak.
Finish
Chocolate fudge, cinnamon, cherry, pecans, bananas, burnt caramel, and oak.
In closing
Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2 offers a complex and vibrant experience. The nose features bright notes of caramel, cinnamon, citrus, and oak. On the palate, it is juicy and rich with flavors of lime jello, cherry, cinnamon caramel, vanilla, tropical fruit, pecans, and charred oak, complemented by a nice funk and age. The finish is beautifully long with chocolate fudge, cinnamon, cherry, pecans, bananas, burnt caramel, and oak, reminiscent of a cinnamon bun. Overall, this release showcases a deeper complexity compared to the 10-year variant, making it a standout in the Aged Series.
NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Jack Daniel’s. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.