Review #152 Jameson Black Barrel Proof: Irish

Score: 7.9 / 10

Distillery: Middleton Distillery

Type: Irish

Jameson is one of the most widely recognized and popular Irish whiskey brands worldwide. It is enjoyed in over 130 countries and has a strong following among whiskey enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Jameson is a blended whiskey that combines both grain whiskey and pot still whiskey. The use of both types of whiskey contributes to its unique taste and character.

Many of the expressions as of late including this one have been getting more experimental. Many different cask finishes are popping up in small quantities. This on in particular is a barrel strength. Only a couple of expressions from Middleton and the rest of the Irish Distillers Group are leaning towards this.

Whiskey Review:

Nose: Charred wood hits the nose first followed by rich butterscotch, toffee, vanilla, and honey. Stirring up the glass brings ethanol, essential oils, and honeycomb.

Palate: Viscous and oily mouthfeel, with big vanilla upfront. On the second part of the drinking experience there is a leathery caramel, apple rind, honey, and light oak. A second sip brings big vanilla again, but also red apple and green grape along with a cinnamon pepper spice and white wine undertones juxtaposed by smoky charred wood.

Finish: The finish is short and yields vanilla, oak, light pepper, and more apple rind. It's a clean finish that doesn't linger for long as flavors fade out quickly leaving a light juiciness in the center of the mouth. However there's a touch smokiness that tends to linger around longer than other notes.

Score: 7.9

Scale:

S+ Sensational - The Pinnacle (9.5+)

A - AXEceptional (astounding) (9-9.5)

B - bravo (step aBove average) (8-8.9)

C - competent (7-7.9)

D - disappointing (6-6.9)

F - flush it down the toilet (fail) (5.9 below)

Notes: Availability? Rare - Limited Edition only available at the distillery itself. Sorry other countries. Get this on on your radar though if you do happen to see it.