Black Barrel Blended Irish Whiskey with Gift Box, 700ml

This is definitely a step up from the standard Jameson. It’s noticeably richer and smoother, with more depth to the flavour, but still very easy to drink. The first thing you notice is the sweetness – there are strong notes of vanilla, caramel and a bit of toasted oak coming through. It’s smooth on the palate with a slightly creamy feel, and there’s a gentle spice at the end that gives it a bit of character without being harsh. It works really well neat or over ice, and it’s also great for something like an Old Fashioned if you want a bit more flavour than regular Jameson. Only downside is that it’s still quite easy-drinking, so if you’re after something really bold or complex, this might feel a bit light. Overall though, a really solid whisky for the price – smooth, slightly sweet, and very easy to go back for another glass (which probably explains why it didn’t last long)

If you like a nice smooth whisky, then you will enjoy this product. Bought as a gift and will buy again. Drink with a splash of water. Lookout for offers

Bought as a gift for a Jameson fan and he absolutely loved it

The whiskey itself is very nice. What I don’t understand is why, overnight, it goes up in price. I’d buy another but…

***UPDATE after 3 years*** - I REMOVED A STAR - I do not drink much whisk(e)y, and this is the whisky that got me started on drinking it. After buying 6+ bottles of this over 3 years I have removed a star. This is because I have become convinced there is a significant variability batch to batch, with the best bottles causing me to write a silly hyperbolic review, while the worst have actually caused me to contact Jamesons to try and check if I have a fake or spoilt bottle. I accept that some variability is unavoidable, but they have seemed like entirely different products (I do not drink enough to do side by side tests). The best seemed to have a depth of flavour and a pepperiness, while the worst have a tanginess that I do not like. Discovered that the gift I gave of Jameson's Select Reserve was still unopened and convinced the person to swap it with me for something else, and have now tried that. It is delicious and entirely deserves the 5 stars, however it was really quite different to the Jamesons Black Barrel you can buy now. **UPDATE** since buying the "small batch" I have now purchased again as "black barrel", which is of course now gone. I almost daren't have this stuff in the house. For some reason this particular drink really hits all my taste buds, wakes them up, does a little dance and then launches into a full rock concert on them. It cannot be normal how enjoyable an experience it is to drink this stuff. It is true my taste buds are a little odd so I guess it won't be the same for everyone. Regular Jameson's is ok, and I have tasted one of the much more expensive ones as well, but this is the one for me. *ORIGINAL* This came in a box and has "small batch" on it. As someone who usually avoids whiskey and knows nothing about the types and brewing locations, I bought this for someone and was pleasantly surprised at their positive reaction, so when the deal was repeated I purchased another for myself. Used the occasion of having a cold as the excuse for opening and I am now planning to have colds much more often. In fact it is too drinkable. I am finding it to be quite more-ish, with the first sips I got a hint of aged sherry, that is as far as I can get with descriptions.

Great prices when it was bought and very nice to drink

Super smooth, rich,warm. Flavour profile butterscotch, toffee, and fudge.

It’s very mild, more of a toasted warmth than real smoke. It’s versatile and flexible which works for both sipping and mixing. Flavour is rich and slightly sweet with caramel, vanilla and a bit of spice. Strength is smooth but still has enough kick to feel satisfying. Longevity wise, it’s nice, clean finish that lingers just the right amount. Great in cocktails but still enjoyable on its own.