George Dickel No. 12 vs Jack Daniel’s No. 7

Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:27 am

Discover the differences between George Dickel No. 12 vs Jack Daniel’s No. 7 in this head-to-head comparison and decide which Whiskey is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

George Dickel No. 12 vs Jack Daniel’s No. 7: Comparison

George Dickel No. 12: A well-rounded Tennessee whiskey with sweet corn, vanilla, and oak notes leading to a warming caramel finish. Ideal for those seeking a smooth experience, with a hint of unique character, at a great value.

Jack Daniel’s: Known for its banana and oak flavor, this whiskey shines in mixed drinks, especially with Coca-Cola. It’s less suited for sipping neat but remains a popular choice for cocktails particularly to mix with Coke.

Verdict: George Dickel No. 12 and Jack Daniel’s serve different preferences within the whiskey world. Dickel offers a balanced and smooth sip at an excellent price, appealing to those who enjoy a neat or lightly mixed experience. Jack Daniel’s, while not the go-to for neat sipping, is a versatile mixer that pairs exceptionally well with cola, making it a staple for social gatherings and cocktail enthusiasts, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Each has its strengths, catering to various tastes and occasions.

Related: Whiskeys Similar to Jack Daniel’s

George Dickel No. 12: A Smooth & Value-Driven Tennessee Whiskey

• Nose: Corn, vanilla, banana, ethanol
• Palate: Brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, pie crust
• Finish: Caramel, oak spice, toasted oak
• Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
• Similar to: George Dickel 8

Sweet & Distinctive Aroma:

• Corn & banana: The initial aroma offers a sweet profile, prominently showcasing a corn note with hints of fried banana and a subtle touch of ethanol.

Warm & Sweet Palate:

• Vanilla & oak spice: On the palate, the whiskey delivers a pleasant initial warmth that transitions into a sweet taste, featuring robust vanilla and oak spice flavors, creating a well-balanced and enjoyable experience.

Long & Warming Finish:

• Caramel & toasted oak: The finish is long and comfortably warm, leaving behind lingering notes of caramel, oak spice, and toasted oak.

Approachable & Balanced:

• Smooth & enjoyable: While possessing a moderate level of warmth, it is not overpowering, making it easy to sip and appreciate.

Unique Vanilla Note:

• Pleasing character: George Dickel presents a smooth and characterful whiskey, well-balanced with a pleasing vanilla note that complements the barrel spice.

Slight Vitamin Hint:

• Subtle resemblance: Some find a slight resemblance to the flavor of Flinstones Vitamins, which may not be universally preferred, but it is a minor detail considering its price point.

Excellent Value:

• Budget-friendly choice: George Dickel offers excellent value for the money, making it a favorable choice for those seeking a flavorful and spirited Tennessee whiskey without breaking the bank.

George Dickel 12 Details:

• Unique mash bill: Crafted using a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% barley, contributing to its distinct flavor profile.
• No age statement: The “12” in the name does not denote age; the whiskey’s exact age is not disclosed.
• Award-winning: Recognized for its quality with a Gold Medal at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Owned by Diageo: Currently owned by the beverage giant Diageo, known for a vast portfolio of spirits brands.

Overall:

George Dickel No. 12 presents a compelling option for those seeking a smooth, flavorful, and affordable Tennessee whiskey experience. Its balanced profile, approachable character, and excellent value make it a suitable choice for both casual sipping and mixing in cocktails. While the slight vitamin-like note might not be universally appreciated, it remains a minor detail in the context of its overall quality and price point.

Jack Daniel’s: A Mixed Blessing

• Nose: Banana, oak, brown sugar, wood polish
• Palate: Caramel, banana, oak char, cinnamon
• Finish: Citrus, black pepper, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Coca-Cola
• Similar to: Glen Grant 12

Aromatic Peculiarity:

• Dominant banana: The aroma is dominated by a pronounced artificial banana scent, which can be quite off-putting to some. While subtle hints of brown sugar, oak, and wood polish are present, they are overshadowed by the banana character.

Thin & Astringent Palate:

• Lacking depth: The palate disappoints with its lack of body and texture. A modest initial sweetness is quickly overpowered by overwhelming oak char astringency, detracting from the overall experience.

Short & Peppery Finish:

• Unremarkable: The finish is short-lived, offering a warm and peppery sensation with fleeting citrus notes and a subtle undertone reminiscent of glue.

Sipping Shortcomings:

• Not recommended neat: As a sipping whiskey, Jack Daniel’s falls short due to its peculiar flavor profile, lack of complexity, and astringent character.

Cocktail Champion:

• Mixing potential: However, Jack Daniel’s shines in its ability to excel in mixed drinks, particularly when paired with Coca-Cola. It blends harmoniously with various mixers like Coke, ginger ale, or even energy drinks, creating enjoyable and satisfying combinations.

A Coke Companion:

• Ideal pairing: In fact, Jack Daniel’s stands out as one of the best options for pairing with Coke, rivaling even Caribbean rums in terms of compatibility.

Limited Appeal:

• Best suited for mixing: For those seeking a whiskey to enjoy beyond mixed drinks, Jack Daniel’s may not offer the desired qualities and is best suited specifically for those cocktail pairings.

Jack Daniel’s Details:

• Global popularity: Jack Daniel’s is the world’s best-selling whiskey, with over 100 million bottles sold annually.
• Grain composition: Crafted using a unique mash bill of 80% corn, 12% barley, and 8% rye.
• Unique aging process: Jack Daniel’s employs a distinct aging method, where the whiskey is matured in new charred oak barrels and then charcoal mellowed through a sugar maple charcoal filtration process. This process aims to remove harshness and contribute to its signature smoothness.
• Taster-driven approach: Unlike most distilleries that adhere to a set aging period, Jack Daniel’s relies on tasters to determine when the whiskey is ready for bottling based on its color, aroma, and flavor profile.

Overall:

Jack Daniel’s presents a unique case. While its distinctive flavor profile may not be ideal for sipping neat, it excels in the realm of mixed drinks, particularly when paired with Coca-Cola. Its global popularity and widespread availability solidify its position as a prominent brand, but its suitability ultimately depends on individual preferences and intended use.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
George Dickel 12	$20
Jack Daniel’s 7	$18

George Dickel & Jack Daniel’s: Tennessee Whiskey, Not Bourbon

While often mistaken for bourbon, George Dickel and Jack Daniel’s are Tennessee whiskeys. Both use corn mash and new charred oak barrels, but the key difference lies in charcoal filtering.

• Tennessee whiskey undergoes the Lincoln County Process, mellowing the spirit through sugar maple charcoal before aging. This results in a smoother taste compared to bourbon’s bolder profile.

Production methods differ slightly:

• Jack Daniel’s: Filters through 10ft of charcoal.
• George Dickel: Soaks in a charcoal vat for several days.

George Dickel uses the “whisky” spelling, a nod to their founder’s belief in their whiskey’s quality, comparable to Scotch whisky.