A fixture in Rock ‘n’ Roll culture, and a favourite of Ol’ Blue Eyes, Jack Daniel’s is a cornerstone of American Whiskey. But we’re not talking about your daddy’s Jack today; no, we’re talking about the first age-stated release from Jack Daniel’s in over 100 years as well as the brand new Jack Daniel’s 12-year-old!
In 2021 Jack Daniel’s announced a 10-year-old, which will be an annual release, and shortly thereafter @comingwhiskey on Instagram discovered that a 12-year-old was also submitted to the TTB for label approval.
One bit of housekeeping before we move on: I received these samples compliments of Jack Daniel’s and their PR agency in exchange for my honest feedback and review. While life would be much easier if I was on the take like a dirty cop, I’m not, and all my reviews are honest. The presence or absence of a media sample never affects the outcome. That said, I need a drink…
Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Batch 2:
Appearance: in glass, this presents as a dark copper with a subtle rusty hue.
Nose: Notes of charred oak give way to cherry cola, cardamom, and cinnamon. Followed by notes of honey and caramel. An unusual note, that can only be described as watered-down oak, runs through this dram. There’s also an herbaceous note that is like a mild eucalyptus.
Palate: This is a pretty mild dram. Mostly notes of caramel, and oak, with a slight mintiness on the back end. For 97 proof this is extremely light, and lacking in flavour.
Jack Daniel’s 12 Year Old Batch 1:
Appearance: in glass, this presents as a dark honey/caramel.
Nose: This is a really unique nose. I’m getting a kind of vanilla, caramel, oak, and corn amalgamation that I can only describe as belonging to a Wild Turkey product! Past that there are notes of cinnamon, and a very subtle note of adobo sauce.
Flavour: Wow, there is a burst of flavour here! Oak, caramel, vanilla, chili peppers, cardamom, cinnamon, and maple syrup all blending with each other. The mid and back palates are full of leather and tobacco. A stunning dram, and especially approachable at 107 proof!