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Jack Daniel’s 12 Year vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Comparing Jack Daniel’s 12 Year and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jack Daniel’s 12 Year | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Tennessee Whiskey | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 80% corn, 8% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 12 years | 12 years |
| Proof | 107 proof (53.5% ABV) +17 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$80 – $120 ~$435 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Limited easier to find | Allocated |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 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.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jack Daniel’s 12 Year Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 6/3 heat: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 8 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
sweetness 8/8 sweetness: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 8 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 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.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
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 and with more proof behind it.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jack Daniel’s 12 Year); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).