" As part of the increasing diversity within the Irish whiskey sector, Jameson has released its Select Reserve Black Barrel variant. This differs from the "standard" Jameson offering by virtue of a higher than usual proportion of pot still whiskey, matured in former Sherry casks, and grain spirit matured in deep-charred ex-Bourbon barrels from Wild Turkey. The component whiskeys also boast an approximate age of 12 years, rather than the regular five to seven years. Oily and fragrant, with orchard fruits and vanilla on the nose. Full-bodied; initially prune juice and a hint of sherry, becoming moreish, with cocoa powder. Developing liquorice and charred oak in the finish. Significantly fruitier with the addition of water." ~ Distillery notes
Whisky Advocate 91
Sumptuously rich and intense whiskey emerges from these double-charred casks; a seduction of butterscotch, treacle, toasted nuts, scorched coconut, raisin, and vanilla essence. Secure in its deep-centered sweetness, it revels in caramelized sugar, dark vanilla, pecan nut slice, creme brulee, peppery spice, and fleshy fruits gloomily submerged in sticky, umber syrups. Memorable for its long, satisfying, toasted aftertaste, heavy on the vanilla and raisins.
When John Jameson, a Scottish businessman,[3] became manager of the Stein family Bow Street Distillery in 1786, it was producing about 30,000 gallons annually. By the turn of the 19th century, it was the second largest producer in Ireland and one of the largest in the world, producing 1,000,000 gallons annually. Dublin at the time was the centre of world whiskey production. It was the second most popular spirit in the world after rum and internationally Jameson had by 1805 become the world's number one whiskey. Today, Jameson is the world's third largest single-distillery whiskey