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Jack Daniel’s 12 Year vs Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Put Jack Daniel’s 12 Year next to Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jack Daniel’s 12 Year | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Tennessee Whiskey | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 80% corn, 8% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 12 years | 13 years +1 yr |
| Proof | 107 proof (53.5% ABV) | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +17 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$80 – $120 ~$150 less | ~$200 – $300 |
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Jack Daniel’s 12 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jack Daniel’s 12 Year Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 6/8 heat: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 8/8 sweetness: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 8 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
oak 8/8 oak: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 8 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Jack Daniel’s 12 Year: Twelve-year Jack Daniel's at 107 proof. Sweet and creamy, with butterscotch, pipe tobacco and seasoned oak.
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof: Thirteen-year Wild Turkey at full barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Cola, molasses and fruit cobbler sit on deep, charred oak, and each release carries its own proof.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jack Daniel’s 12 Year if you want a sweet, creamy, well-aged Jack Daniel's with pipe tobacco and oak at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jack Daniel’s 12 Year); neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof).