Jameson Black Barrel Review

Jameson Original is the bottle I drink most. The Black Barrel is the one on the shelf with a darker label and a higher price, and it’s described as the richer, more characterful sibling. For a Jameson fan, that sounds like an obvious upgrade.

I was curious whether it’s as good as it sounds, or whether I’m just paying extra for black ink.

What it is

Jameson is made at the Midleton distillery in County Cork, by Irish Distillers, part of Pernod Ricard. The Black Barrel is a blend of pot still whiskey and grain whiskey. It’s matured in twice-charred ex-bourbon barrels, and a portion is also aged in sherry casks. The double charring adds a layer of toasted oak and sweetness.

It’s bottled at 40%, with no age statement. It was launched in 2015 as a premium version of the Original, and it’s meant to be fuller and creamier.

In the glass

I tried it neat, in my usual glass, on a quiet evening. I expected it to be richer than the Original, and it’s a big step.

Nose: vanilla and toasted oak, with toffee and a hint of spice. It smells sweet and warm, like creme brulee with a hint of toasted wood. Very inviting.

Palate: smooth and creamy. Caramel and toasted wood come first, then honey and a soft spice. It has more body than the Original, and the toasted oak adds depth. It’s very easy to drink, and it’s still smooth. I liked it a lot.

Finish: medium to long, warm and gently sweet. The toasted oak and caramel linger. A drop of water kept it smooth, and ice made it dessert-like.

A second glass

I poured another glass the next evening, and it was just as lovely. I’d say it’s the Jameson for a quiet night in.

How I would drink it

Neat, or over a big ice cube. It’s too good for a mixer, and it makes a lovely Old Fashioned. A small glass after dinner is perfect.

Against the Original

Compared with Jameson Original, the Black Barrel is richer, creamier and woodier. The Original is lighter and fresher. If you like the Original, you’ll likely love this, and I wouldn’t mix it with cola.

Other Jameson variants include Caskmates Stout, which is finished in stout barrels, and Select Reserve. The Black Barrel is the one I’d pick.

Value

I paid about $40 for a 750 ml bottle. That’s about $10 more than the Original, and I think it’s worth it.

Who it is for

It’s for people who like Jameson and want something richer. It’s a great gift. If you want smoke or spice, other bottles suit better.

Next to the Original

I did the obvious thing and poured a Jameson Original and a Black Barrel side by side. The Original is lighter and fresher. The Black Barrel is darker and creamier, with a toasted note that I kept going back to. After a few minutes I’d stopped comparing them and was just drinking the Black Barrel, which tells me who won.

Over ice

Over a big ice cube it was lovely. The cold calmed the sweetness, and the toasted oak came forward. It’s one of the few whiskeys I’d happily drink the same way all evening without changing anything.

A second look

I made an Old Fashioned with it, and it was the best one I’ve made at home. The charred barrel flavour suits the sugar and the bitters, and it needs very little else. I’d call that a very good use for a bottle that’s meant for sipping.

Pairing and serving

A piece of dark chocolate and a few toasted almonds make a lovely partner, and the toasted oak in the whiskey matches the nuts. It’s a simple, elegant combination.

What the price buys

At about $38 you get a creamy, toasted version of Jameson. It is a fair price, and the whiskey is richer and woodier than the Original. I think it is worth the extra.

Who should skip it

If you like the light freshness of the Original, this might seem heavy. The charred oak is strong, and the sweetness is bold. A drinker who prefers a dry whiskey should look at Powers.

Last word

Jameson Black Barrel is the Jameson I’d pay extra for. It’s creamier, richer and woodier than the Original, and it stays smooth. I’d buy it again, and I’d happily give it as a present.

Verdict

Yes. It’s smooth, creamy and richer than the Original. I’d buy it again, and it might become my regular.