Jameson Black Barrel

This whiskey has a nice smell, having sweet notes and subtle oak. The taste is smooth a lot of honey on top. Honey, honey, honey, some vanilla, grain, little of oak. For me it was surprising how sweet it is. Obviously more than Monkey Shoulder. The end taste is rather short-medium. That whiskey is perfect as a desert drink or for a whiskey newbie. I am sure it will be perfect for cocktail too. The reason why I cannot give 5 stars is the strong sweetness and I was expecting a bit more oakiness and smoke too. Overall tremendous value for the money.

3rd September 2019

Irish whisky is showing improvement across the board, so even Jameson, which I've always disliked, has to up its game. Tasted this blind in a Scotch vs Irish tasting (Scotch is my go to, generally) and was gobsmacked to find I rated it the best of the night - ahead of more expensive stuff. More complexity than the simple oak-led buttery sweetness of 20 years ago offerings. I've even bought some having vowed to not bother with the brand again. Cask mates expressions are less than shabby, too. I understand the Redbreast and Spot references (I like both) but this is equal in quality in my (neutral) eyes. Highly recommend this dram.

26th July 2019

Person below who thinks this doesn't rate against Redbreast simply doesn't know what he is talking about. This is a solid Irish whiskey, flavoured in a double burned bourbon barrel I got a hit of sweet coffee when swigged straight out of the bottle. This is smooth bit of sweetness that could turn anyone to the whiskey side. My Jameson preference of the past was Lively but I changed on first sip.
Whiskey life!

23rd July 2019

I must apologize, this is better than many other Jameson's but it's still a sub par Irish. I'm comparing it to greenspot, and redbreast. Now it isn't bad just not memorable.

25th June 2019

Before a trip to Ireland last fall, I had never tried whiskey. I had no fondness for scotch either. But, after our tour of the Jameson Distillery in Dublin and excellent presentation explaining what sets it apart from other whiskies, I have quickly picked up a taste for their product.

19th June 2019

It's very Rich and smooth.
I like it!

13th April 2019

Far above Jameson's yellow label, and converted my wife to a whiskey drinker.

9th February 2019

Discovered this whisky when visiting Ireland and just love it. It's worth buying on here just to read the reviews.

26th November 2018

I reviewed this below as a rubbery taste but that was from a newly opened bottle. Came back the next night and tastes much better. I usually take whiskey neat but added an ice cube to this and it came alive.

26th October 2018

Muted nose. After a few minutes air floral and pleasant, very nice indeed. Falls apart on the palate with the charred barrel flavor coming across as synthetic rubber, taste continues on the finish. I prefer the original or the Signature Reserve. BT.

25th October 2018

This is a review of Jameson Black Barrel, not a comparison of it next to Jameson Special Reserve. With that being said the Black Barrel is my favorite Irish whiskey. The mild smoke notes makes this an interesting and delicious dram. I don’t care for any other Jameson whiskey but they nailed it with Black Barrel!

27th July 2018

This whiskey is seriously underpriced. Its dangerously good stuff! Velvety smooth with a pure pot toffee flavor that usually comes with bottles priced 3x more! An absolute delight!

21st July 2018

I can't get enough of this stuff, the best you can by for $40. I keep this put away with my $100 stuff, Jameson hit the jackpot on this one what a great whiskey 🥃.

4th July 2018

Great tasting and smooth whiskey... definitely one of those whiskeys that can go down VERY fast!

7th April 2018

El primer irlandès que tasto. Deliciós.

18th March 2018

Smooth and caramelly taste. Goes down easy on an ice cube or twom

17th March 2018

Jameson's Standard is good. Ignore the snobs. And you snobs are comparing this 'Black Barrel' to something it doesn't claim to be. This isn't Black Barrel Reserve. Jameson's Black Barrel is good.
Let's compare it to Jameson's 18 year while were at it.

4th March 2018

The Black Barrel Select Reserve is a very different dram. We did a side by side, and the new label is noticeably less oily, more watery, flatter in flavor. if you can find the old bottle, its definitely worth it.

23rd February 2018

I've only had standard Jamesons and this is a pleasant surprise. Very tasty. I can definitely taste the charred qualities and it improves it drastically. I didn't expect it to be so nice. I don't think I'll be able to go back to the standard stuff after tasting this.

31st January 2018

I enjoyed it with a group of old Men after Sunday Church session.. very smooth and a spicy after taste.

20th November 2017

Yea the original select reserve has a black lable with gold trim on the bottom and clearly says select reserve. And yes the original select reserve truly was worth the price, this one not as much but close enough to pass to the ones who have not tried the original.

18th November 2017

This has got to be my favourite whiskey I've had here in Ireland thus far! Trust me, I've tasted too many to count 😁 Strong, rich taste, with a lingering, yet pleasant, warmth after the initial sip. Very robust, with a hint of oak and citrus that is just strong enough to notice at first tasting, but subtly eases to a quite enjoyable combination of flavours. Please, do not discontinue this brand! Definitely something to be shared with friends and family around Christmas time.

5th October 2017

A fine fruity whisky with a hint of peat with a strong creamy vanilla finish. Excellent on the palette.

1st October 2017

very soft and beautiful.
Amen.

29th August 2017

Standard Jameson is a bit smooth for me. At "stamdard" grade, I'd choose Bushmills. But at the "one up" grade in a blend, Black Barrel is from some other world. Be it the proportion of Single Pot, the double charring, or other variables, this is a supreme whiskey!

8th July 2017

A decent representation of Irish/pot still whiskey, imo. The grain was noticeable to begin with but the bottle has really mellowed after a few weeks.

Caramel, vanilla, char, pot still spices and fruitiness with a decent mouth feel and sweet yet pleasantly cloying finish. Not too complex but definitely has you going back for more like a good Irish should.

Perhaps a touch overpriced for what it is?

10th June 2017

Very nice blend!
To me it has a nice subtle sweetness like a high end bourbon, but it's unmistakable Irish perfection.

If you don't like it, just don't like it. But do not put words where there aren't. It is not a select reserve, It's not claiming to be a select reserve, so do not review it as a select reserve!

9th June 2017

A fine dram for any evening

20th May 2017

This is not the same whiskey as they claim. This should be considered nothing less than theft by deception. The original Select Reserve Black Barrel is an exelent whiskey at it's price where this is a drastically different flavor that will be noticed even by the novice.

10th May 2017

Came across this whilst travelling around the west coast of Ireland. Loved it so much, I ordered two bottles as soon as I come home from MOM. This is the first Irish I reach for now, which is bold considering I have a Redbreast 12, a Redbreast 15, a West Cork, an a Greenspot. This is great value for money.....

7th May 2017

I agree with the review below. This is not the same whisky as the Jameson select reserve black barrel aka select reserve small batch!
I am surprised that master of malt do not recognize that.
Should be represented seperately on this web page.
I would give select reserve black barrel (small batch) 4.5 star but this one sorry only 2 star.
I gave this bottle to my brother in law and bought myself select reserve!

27th April 2017

Jameson black Barrell 1 liter at Costco (Los Angeles area) for $36.99. If you buy two bottles it's $15 instant rebate bringing each bottle to $29.49 plus tax

2nd March 2017

This new release of Jameson Black Barrel can not be compared to the older one. Actually nobody has remarked here that Jameson has replaced the old release of Black Barrel Select Reserve with a new one whose image is above. The name might be misleading, because this is a TOTALLY DIFFERENT WHISKEY. The most comments below relate to the older version. Today I have tried the new one, and I swear - it was the last time I bought a Jameson. They should be punished for cheating the customers. The new Black Barrel is much worse than the old one. The sharp scent of alcohol in the aroma, a very slight sherry taste and actually no aftertaste at all - THIS IS NOT A PREMIUM LEVEL WHISKEY. Definitely not! Don't recommend this new Black Barrell to anyone. At the same price you can afford Chivas Regal 12 or Bushmills Black Bush which are far better.

20th February 2017

1 bottle and 1 good friend = 2 hours and bottle is empty ! Very sherry whiskey, very smooth. But I think Signature is better then this.

9th January 2017

A thing of beauty; rich creaminess, long fruit, no burn, spice and smoke, some dark chocolate in the middle, black pepper finish

25th December 2016

Very smooth. Sweet. Lots of toffee creaminess

4th July 2016

I'm usually a Scotch whisky drinker and prefer the peaty, smoky malts. Saw this in the shop, thought I'd try it but didn't have too high expectations for the price. I was wrong. So smooth and delicious I could drink it all day!

2nd June 2016

Coconut !!!! absolute whiskey nothing else exist ....

6th May 2016

A fine Irish whiskey at a great price. Don't tell John Jameson or his son that I would pay more for this find, shhhhh!

5th May 2016

For the special relaxed occasions. Smooth, sublime, classy.

1st May 2016

I didn't expect much from this. My mistake. I treated Jameson like Jack Daniels in my mind thinking such a popular house wouldn't put too much effort into their variations. Nope. Full body. Smooth. Highly recommended at its price point.

26th April 2016

I've had a fair few Jameson's now and can only say there is no better Jameson than the original. This lacks the rich flavour. The original is far better

16th March 2016

Outstanding for a whiskey at this price point. Full bodied, lovely color and warm finish. Very drinkable

2nd March 2016

Great flavor......good finish....great after taste! I hope you can keep making this!

21st February 2016

I only had a 50ml bottle but I thought it was excellent...such a quality item...its on my shopping list

17th January 2016

the drink was very smooth, lovely flavor.

9th January 2016

Good whisky for the price.
Not gonna rate it since it is meaningless (giving 5 stars for a cheap no-age-statement whiskey leaves little room for all the, much better, whisky's out there...).
The smell translates identically to the palate and gives associations to green apples and hints of toffee/caramel. Slight oak spices at the finish, which is short-to-medium length, whereafter the taste disappears completely.
Having said that; I do like it!

25th October 2015

Good

4th August 2015

This whisky is something which one should try. Smooth

5th July 2015

This is my go to whiskey. Its just so smooth and stuffed full of flavours.
Beautiful toffee nose. On drinking its very fruity, definate apple and some like, with softer tastes of berries.
Finishes with a slight citrus sharpness but a lot of smooth caramel.

Its just supremely drinkable. If you like whiskey that takes the skin off the inside of your mouth, this is not for you, if you like a smoother whiskey with a lot of depth that belies its price and age, then this is a must.

26th June 2015

Found this after wanting a bottle of Green Spot but my other half not liking it. Purchased on recommendation.

It reminds me of the jameson 18 a little, but a little more delicate.

Nose: Slight toffee/creamy smell (i assume from the burbon casks) but also a citrus element there.

Taste: Its beautifully smooth, a slight hint of apple, but also a slight creaminess, that smooths the whole experience out. some very light flavours of spices like cinamon in there also. Lime comes out clearly.

Finish: Has a little bite in the finish with more of that toffee creaminess.

Flavours really come out with quite literally "a drop" of water added to the measure.

This is worlds apart from the standard Jameson you get in most pubs, like drinking water from a dirty puddle vs a bottle of Evian. Highly recommended.

27th April 2015

Wonderful nose, incredibly smooth, excellent finish.

8th March 2015

I bought a bottle of this whiskey for xmas, it's almost all gone its really good. If you like jamesons try a bottle of this. Rich smooth not harsh at all big flavour of fruit really good.

7th December 2014

Jameson Blended is my whiskey of choice. Always smooth and never harsh. Jameson Select Reserve takes excellence to a new level. So fragrant, so pleasing to the palate. There is no equal.

3rd December 2014

Not a bad drink at all but not exactly to my own tastes. Tasting notes for me were apple, green grapes, and custard. Very floral nose as well. Not as rich as I had hoped and a touch bitter on the finish.

27th November 2014

Very nice

10th August 2014

Rich and smooth taste. Better than regular Jameson

1st July 2014

I got this as a Christmas present and managed to resist opening it for months, but now the level of the bottle is going down at an alarming rate. This is excellently drinkable whiskey.

19th May 2014

очень угольный , острый и ванилиьный. заткнет за собой обычный и всех собратьев младших

2nd May 2014

While the taste is destinctive, it is not noble. It is spicy, some fruits but it doesn't taste rich. It seems that there are some taste improovements bein made to it and very weak real whiskey notes. While not being fan of Irish I was disappionted

9th April 2014

thought this was delightful. can't believe I saw a review adding water. great taste with a nice smooth finish.

29th March 2014

Best substance I have ever had the pleasure of consuming. I've never enjoy a drink more!

21st March 2014

My wife bought me a bottle on a recent trip to Ireland and wow what a pleasant surprise!!! A great tasting whiskey with lasting flavor !! Fantastic!!!

1st March 2014

This is a very good effort from Jameson. Nobody seems to know exactly what it is, and I expect Jameson want to keep their small grain pot still methods to themselves. There is a lot of fine malted barley and rich creamy flavours.It's an absolute cracker and in a different league to their basic product. Highly recommended

25th February 2014

I've never been a fan of Jameson and I got a bottle of select reserve as a gift. WOW! Its really good! Delicious flavours and very easy to drink. Really well priced. This might become my new "every day" dram.

17th February 2014

amazing. takes regular jamason to the cleaners!

23rd January 2014

Too much vanilla sweetness drowning out the nice cereal elements for me

1st January 2014

An absolute gem and in my humble estimation it more than compares favorably with the best of the Irish Single Malts.

13th July 2013

The first time I had Jameson it was Special Reserve and I Loved it and it spoiled me I can't drink regular Jameson

16th June 2013

Really different from regular Jameson. Plesantly surprised

24th May 2013

A Christmas present from my son and daughter,I drink it two parts whiskey one part water,a delightful drink

27th December 2012

Hi, just wanted to clarify. The key defining element behind this whiskey is actually its use of a rare grain whiskey component which is not seen in any other expression of the Jameson family - any more questions check out http://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/Our-Whiskeys/Jameson-Reserves/Jameson-Small-Batch.aspx or just reply here, thanks!

20th October 2012

This is actually a blend made of 75% 12yo pot still whiskey with about 1/5 of that coming from sherry casks, the rest is grain. Its very nice though, well worth a go for something a bit different.

26th February 2012

Excllent whiskey. A quality drink

14th January 2012

Are you sure it's a pot still whiskey?

2nd December 2011