Jack Daniel’s 12 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey / Batch 003
The Stats
- Distillery: Jack Daniel Distillery
- Location: Lynchburg, TN
- Type: Tennessee Whiskey
- Age: 12 Years
- Proof: 107 (53.5% ALC/VOL)
- Mash Bill: 80% corn, 12% malted barley, 8% rye
- Release: Spring 2025 (Batch 3)
- Price: $95+ (Allocated)
When Jack Daniel’s released its first age-stated bottles in decades, the whiskey world took notice. The 10-Year and 12-Year drops created real buzz, not just because of the age statements, but because they were genuinely good pours.
Now, Batch 3 of the 12-Year Tennessee Whiskey is here. It’s bolder than the 10-year at 107 proof, more allocated than ever, and commanding well over MSRP on shelves. But that raises the question…
Is it still worth the hype?
A Confident Evolution
From the first sip, Batch 3 feels like a confident step forward. The higher proof adds body without overwhelming the flavor, and the balance is tighter than in Batches 1 and 2. It’s darker, richer, and more grounded.
We still get those classic Jack notes—banana bread, toasted nuts, vanilla—but they’re more integrated now. This is Jack, matured, literally and figuratively.
In our blind tastings and side-by-side comparisons, Batch 3 was the most complete of the 12-year releases. And compared to the 14-year? It might not have the same oak weight, but it’s more versatile and easier to reach for.
Tasting Notes
Aroma:
Vanilla, toasted oak, roasted peanuts, caramelized banana, and a touch of leather. Slightly smoky on the back end.
Taste:
Dark cherry, tropical banana, vanilla wafer, peanut brittle, cinnamon spice, cola syrup, and brown sugar. Rich but not heavy. The extra proof brings out warmth and depth without ever turning hot.
Finish:
Dry and lingering pepper, smoked chocolate with seasoned oak, tobacco, and a whisper of citrus. This one stays with you in the best way.
Artfully Bourbon Rating
9.5 / 10 - EXCELLENT
So, back to the question: Is Jack Daniel’s 12-Year Batch 3 still worth the hype?
Yes—but with a caveat. This is one of the best Tennessee whiskies we’ve tasted, and easily one of the strongest releases in the 12-Year lineup. It’s balanced, confident, and full of flavor. However, it’s also challenging to obtain and is already fetching inflated prices on the secondary market.
If you stumble across a bottle at or near MSRP, don’t pass it up. At $95, it’s a steal. At double or triple that, the value conversation gets harder. But the quality? Undeniable.
Jack’s new era continues—and this release proves it wasn’t a fluke.
