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Jameson Black Barrel Review + Tasting Notes

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Jameson Black Barrel Review + Tasting Notes

Jameson Black Barrel is a great whiskey in its own right, but it’s especially appealing for bourbon drinkers looking to explore Irish whiskey.

by Phil Dwyer
April 13, 2025

Phil Dwyer is a whisky enthusiast, YouTuber, and manager of The Whisky Shop Manchester, UK.

Tasting Notes:

About:

In a similar way to Jameson Crested, Black Barrel is a more Single Pot Still focused blend. However, the distillery is making a heavier use of first-fill bourbon casks, with some sherry influences running through it, too.

Appearance:

Dark Orange

Nose:

Quite different to the standard bottle and the Crested release. This is much heavier with nutmeg, caramel and touches of black pepper. It has a very autumnal feel all around. After some time you get these little hint of butter, vanilla pudding, and some maltiness from the Single Pot Still influences.

Palate:

A little more forward then the standard and Crested releases. The spice is a little more present on this, but it’s welcome spice. That oaky, woody, toasted spice that you get from really good first-fill American oak casks. The grain pops through a little on the palate, giving you these soft spicy notes but backed up with more ex-bourbon flavours of vanilla, a little touch of espresso and some milk chocolate.

Finish:

Leads in a slightly more bitter direction for Jameson, but not in a bad way. Those milk chocolate notes turn to dark chocolate the nutmeg comes back, and you get these touches of ginger and Angostura bitters. A very pleasant finish.

Comments:

Jameson Black Barrel is a great whiskey in its own right, but it’s especially appealing for bourbon drinkers looking to explore Irish whiskey. The heavy use of first-fill bourbon casks gives it rich, familiar notes of vanilla and toasted oak, making the transition feel natural. It could also appeal to Scotch drinkers who enjoy blends but are curious about bolder, bourbon-cask-driven flavours. Overall, it offers excellent value for money

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer's passion for whisky is undeniable. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil manages The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curates an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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