About this whisky

Black Barrel is the Jameson for people who like their Irish whiskey with a bit more depth. Like every Jameson it is triple distilled at Midleton in County Cork, but the blend leans on rich pot still whiskey alongside grain whiskey, and the casks do the rest. Part of the whiskey is aged in sherry casks, and part in bourbon barrels that are charred a second time. That double charring caramelises more of the sugars in the wood and draws out toasty, sweet flavours you will not find in the standard bottling.

Pour a glass and you get butterscotch, fudge and creamy toffee on the nose, then nutty notes with smooth spice and vanilla on the palate, and a finish of toasted wood and vanilla. It is excellent neat or over a large cube, and makes a rich, rounded Old Fashioned. A smart step up for anyone who already enjoys Jameson, and a handsome bottle to give at Christmas or Diwali.

Key facts

• Triple distilled blend of rich pot still and grain whiskey
• Aged in sherry casks and double-charred bourbon barrels
• Made at the Midleton distillery in County Cork
• Bottled at 40%

Tasting notes

Nose:

Butterscotch, fudge and creamy toffee

Palate:

Nutty, with smooth spice and vanilla sweetness

Finish:

Toasted wood and vanilla

Serve

Neat or over one large ice cube; or as an Old Fashioned: 50 ml Black Barrel, 1 bar spoon sugar syrup and 2 dashes Angostura, stirred over ice with an orange twist.

Food pairing

Pairs beautifully with smoked meats and roast pork, or with nolen gur sandesh or a sticky toffee pudding for dessert.