Whisky: Jameson Black Barrel
Producer: Pernod Ricard
Distillery: Midleton
Whisky Type: Triple distilled Irish Blend (Pot Still and Grain Whiskey)
Region: County Cork, Ireland
Age: NAS
ABV: 40%
Aged in Cask: First-fill bourbon, sherry casks, and re-charred ex-bourbon casks
Price Range: $
Jameson is the best-selling Irish Whiskey brand in the world and a synonym of Irish Whiskey in the United States.
The Jameson Distillery was founded in 1780 by John Stein in Bow Street, Dublin. John Jameson, a Scotsman, married Margaret Stein and started working as manager of the distillery. Jameson later became an owner in 1805 and six years later changed the distillery name to John Jameson & Son Irish Whiskey Company.
The distillery is known as one of the Irish Whiskey powerhouses of Dublin from the 1800s with John Powers, William Jameson, and George Roe.
The decline of Irish Whiskey in the global market resulted in the consolidation of all major brands under Irish Distillers Ltd in 1966. Hence, the production of Jameson moved from Dublin to Midleton a few years later.
In 1988, Pernod Ricard, one of the largest liquor companies in the world, purchased the Jameson brand when it acquired Irish Distillers Ltd. in 1988.
Today, you can visit the Old Jameson Experience at the original site of Jameson Distillery in Dublin and enjoy cocktails and expressions of the famous brand, including Jameson Black Barrel, Jameson Caskmates, and Jameson 18 Year Old.
Now the Tasting Notes for Jameson Black Barrel
The whiskey was launched in NYC in 2011 as a more complex whiskey than the original Jameson. The Irish Blend does not carry an age statement but has an average age of twelve years. This expression is also sweeter than the original version. Jameson Black Barrel is triple distilled from two types of whiskies. Pot still whiskey and grain whiskey.
A good portion of the Pot Still whiskey is aged in 1st fill ex-bourbon and sherry casks to provide fruit flavors, and a small portion is aged in virgin American oak to impart those dominant vanilla notes and spices to the blend.
A portion of the grain whiskey is aged in heavily charred ex-bourbon barrels that impart more vanilla notes. Hence, the name Black Barrel.
Nose: Aromas of apple and caramel.
Palate: Fruit, vanilla, and cinnamon are the dominant flavors here. Lovely taste. Very approachable and creamy.
Finish: Medium, creamy texture, and fruity. Very nice!
Conclusion: Jameson Black Barrel has a rich and complex flavor profile that includes notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice , with a smooth and silky mouthfeel and a long, satisfying finish. This Irish whiskey is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it also pairs well with mixers like ginger ale or lemonade. The packaging is sleek and sophisticated, making it a great gift for any whiskey connoisseur.
Rusty, the Leprechaun, says “Jameson Black Barrel is a delicious Irish Whiskey with a good balance between fruit and oak. One of my favorite Jameson whiskies and great value for your money”.
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Score: 3.75/5⭐
Legend
$50 or less $
$51-$100 $$
$101-$150 $$$
$151 or more $$$$
