Last Updated on: 12th June 2025, 07:44 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Uncover all the details about Conor McGregor’s Proper Twelve Whiskey in this comprehensive review that addresses all your related inquiries!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Proper 12: A Smooth Introduction to Irish Whiskey (Great for Beginners)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Proper 12 Irish Whiskey, endorsed by Conor McGregor, avoids the pitfalls often associated with celebrity spirits.
Exceeding Expectations:
This whiskey offers a surprisingly smooth and sweet taste profile, defying expectations of a potentially harsh sip.
Competitive Price:
Proper 12 is priced competitively within the Irish whiskey category, offering reasonable value for the money.
Straightforward and Easy-Drinking:
While lacking complex flavors, Proper 12 avoids any off-putting notes. Its smooth and easy-drinking character makes it a good choice for beginners who might find other whiskeys challenging.
A Gateway to Irish Whiskey Exploration:
For those curious about Irish whiskey but hesitant due to strong flavors, Proper 12 serves as a pleasant introduction to the category, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Best Budget-Friendly Irish Whiskeys.
- Learn more: Proper No. Twelve Website
What’s unique about Proper 12?
Proper 12 is an Irish Whiskey brand that was launched by MMA fighter Conor McGregor in collaboration with Ken Austin, who achieved success with Avion Tequila and currently partners with The Rock for Teremana Tequila.
An interesting point to consider is that in 2021, Proper 12 was acquired by Proximo Spirits for an impressive $600 million.
Proximo Spirits is a subsidiary of Mexico’s Jose Cuervo, the largest producer of agave spirits globally.
Moreover, Jose Cuervo also owns the Bushmills Distillery, where Proper 12 is crafted.
Adding to its uniqueness, Proper 12 stands out for its philanthropic efforts.
For each case of Proper 12 sold (consisting of 12 bottles), the brand donates $5 to first responders around the world, with a commitment of up to $1 million annually.
What does Proper 12 mean?
Proper 12 receives its name from Dublin 12, the area in which McGregor grew up.
How does Proper Twelve taste?
- Nose: Caramel, ripe fruit, citrus
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, pepper
- Finish: Short, caramel, bitter note
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Jameson
The initial aroma bursts with a strong presence of vanilla, complemented by subtle notes of caramel and floral essence.
On the palate, the body feels somewhat thin, lacking fullness.
The flavor profile introduces ripe fruit at the forefront, followed by notes of caramel and a hint of black pepper, which is not overpowering.
The finish exhibits a decent length, with very minimal to no burn, leaving behind a pleasant aftertaste of orange, caramel, and a touch of oak.
How does Proper 12 rank?
These are my rankings:
| Whiskey | Rank |
| Redbreast 12 | 82 |
| Green Spot | 82 |
| Proper 12 | 64 |
| Jameson | 63 |
| Bushmills | 60 |
| Tullamore DEW | 59 |
Frequently Asked Questions
A quick FAQ to address your doubts:
Is it smoky?
On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest), Proper 12 scores a zero, signifying its total absence of smoke and peat.
These particular notes can be challenging for many consumers to appreciate, but Proper 12 offers a whiskey that is entirely free from them.
How to drink it?
- Proper 12 is an easy drinker without challenging notes, making it suitable for sipping on the rocks, using it as a mixer, or enjoying in an Irish coffee.
Alternatives
- Compared to Bushmills The Original and Jameson, Proper 12 offers a more favorable taste profile, with Bushmills having stronger oak spice and Jameson presenting a weird metallic note.
- Another alternative within the same price range is Bushmills Black Bush, which offers a Scotch whisky-like experience similar to Glenlivet.
Price
- Prices vary by country: US ($30), Canada ($39), UK (£25), Australia ($53).
Alcohol content
- Bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), the standard for most Irish whiskey.
Aging
- The Proper 12 does not provide an age statement but is aged for around 4 years in bourbon barrels.
Is it a Single Malt?
- No, Proper 12 is a blend of single malt and grain whiskey.
Does it expire?
- Alcoholic beverages do not expire.
- Proper storage in a cool, dark place ensures longevity.
How to store it?
- Store Proper 12 in a cool place away from sunlight, with the bottle upright to prevent the stopper from coming into contact with the liquid.
Where is it made?
- Proper 12 is crafted at the Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland.
Who owns Proper 12?
- Proper 12 was acquired in 2021 by Proximo Spirits, a subsidiary of Mexico’s Jose Cuervo, which also owns the Bushmills Distillery.
- Cuervo acquired the Bushmills Distillery from London-based Diageo in exchange for Don Julio Tequila.
How did I review Proper 12 Whiskey?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Proper 12: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Blend |
| Age statement | No |
| Proof | 80 |
| ABV | 40% |
| Is it good? | It gets the job done |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Moderately |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | Yes |
| Good for cocktails? | Yes |
| Good with Coke? | Yes |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
| Kosher | Yes |