FIRST SIP: Jameson Black Barrel

Jameson originated in Dublin but has called Midleton home since 1975.

Black Barrel is a unique take on the traditional Jameson flavor profile.

Tours at Jameson Bow St. in Dublin & the Old Midleton Distillery in Cork are well worth it.

Jameson is the largest company within Irish Distillers, which is in turn owned by spirits giant Pernod Ricard. The distillery was founded in Dublin in 1780 and called the capital city its home until the 1966 merger that brought Jameson, Power, and Cork Distilleries together to form Irish Distillers. The combined company moved to Midleton in 1975.

Jameson has been the biggest Irish whiskey for many decades, so innovation isn't easy when the traditional blended triple distilled flavor is so well-known. Which takes us to...

As the most traditional of Irish whiskeys, Jameson's trademark is its smoothness. Jameson Black Barrel by contrast is aged in charred and double-charred bourbon barrels, giving the liquid a distinct vanilla smokiness. Don't confuse it with the smoke flavor present in peated whiskeys though--this tastes more like whiskey that spent some time on the grill. We like the result.

ABV: 40%

Retail price: About $35

Jameson Black Barrel: 92 POINTS

This is a great daily drinking whiskey--a very nice upgrade from the Original Jameson.