Editor’s Note: We received a review sample of this whiskey from the brand. However, in accordance with our editorial policies, this has not influenced the outcome of our review in any way.
Jack Daniel’s story is extremely well known. Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is so popular that, as recognized by Interbrand, it is described as the most valuable spirits brand in the world.
The Daniel’s lineup is long and deep, climbing the ladder from Old No. 7 in the well at pretty much any bar to more unique and rare offerings. One of the more recent of the latter kicked off in 2021 with the debut of the Jack Daniel’s Aged Series, an annual release of age-stated expressions. To date, 10-Year-Old and 12-Year-Old are the bearers of this standard, the latter of which Batch 2 is being reviewed here.
“Our Jack Daniel’s Aged Series has given us the opportunity to produce modern whiskeys that simultaneously capture the essence of the liquid Mr. Jack created over 150 years ago,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller, at the time of this whiskey’s recent release. “These releases embody the artistry, passion and craftsmanship that define Jack Daniel’s legacy, and I’m excited for our friends to enjoy this year’s batches of special whiskeys.”
What’s in the bottle
Both expressions, which will have slight variations by batch, were charcoal mellowed and aged in new, toasted, and charred American white oak barrels first on the upper floors of a Daniel barrelhouse before being relocated to the lower risks to extend the maturation process. Both share the same grain bill as the classic Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey: 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye.
Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Batch 2, bottled at 107 proof, is priced at $94.99 and comes in a 700 ml bottle.