Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:38 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Jameson Black Barrel vs Redbreast 12 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Whiskey is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Jameson Black Barrel vs Redbreast 12: Which to Buy?
Jameson Black Barrel: Offers a deeper, richer twist on the classic Jameson profile, with its additional aging in charred bourbon barrels enhancing the flavors of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of smoke. It’s versatile enough for rocks or cocktails, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a smooth, sweet whiskey with a complex character.
Redbreast 12: Redbreast 12 is celebrated for its smooth, creamy texture and balanced blend of ripe fruit, citrus, and baking spices. It’s best enjoyed neat, allowing the whiskey’s full range of flavors to shine through. This expression is a testament to the craft of Irish whiskey making, offering a good balance between sweetness and spice.
Verdict: Both Jameson Black Barrel and Redbreast 12 showcase the excellence and diversity of Irish whiskey. While Jameson Black Barrel presents a unique, charred twist on a beloved classic, Redbreast 12 offers an elevated sipping experience with its rich, complex flavors and smooth finish.
Whether you prefer the boldness of Black Barrel or the refined elegance of Redbreast 12, each bottle provides a distinct whiskey experience, states spirits expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Irish Whiskeys for a Gift
Jameson Black Barrel: A Deeper Dive into the Black
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Johnnie Walker Black Label
Enhanced Character:
Jameson Black Barrel takes the classic Jameson experience to a new level. Utilizing the original blend as a base, Black Barrel undergoes additional aging in heavily charred bourbon barrels, resulting in a deeper amber color and richer flavor profile.
Aromatic Allure:
The aroma is predominantly sweet with hints of caramel, toasted oak, and a subtle smokiness, creating an inviting first impression.
Flavorful Journey:
- Intriguing Start: The initial sip presents a gentle peppery note that evolves into a rich and satisfying caramel flavor.
- Sweet & Toasty: Additional notes of sweet vanilla, toasted cereal, and a subtle touch of smoke come together to create a complex and enjoyable experience.
- Warming Finish: The medium-length finish offers lingering notes of roasted nuts, charred oak, and a gentle warmth.
Enjoying Black Barrel:
- Smooth & Sweet: This expression boasts a smooth and sweet character, making it perfect for sipping neat or over ice.
- Water’s Subtle Influence: While adding water can release a touch of caramel, it does not significantly alter the overall flavor profile.
Jameson Black Barrel Facts:
- Unique Maturation: Crafted with a high proportion of single pot still and grain whiskey, Black Barrel first matures in a combination of ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks.
- Extra Charred Finish: Its distinctive character is further enhanced by a finishing touch in extra-charred ex-bourbon barrels.
Redbreast 12: A Smooth Irish Classic
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Dalmore 12
Aromatic Invitation:
- Vanilla & Spice: The aroma opens with a welcoming note of vanilla, followed by hints of caramel, ginger, and a touch of citrus zest, creating a well-rounded first impression.
Luxuriously Smooth:
- Creamy Texture: On the palate, Redbreast 12 delivers a luxuriously creamy texture, making for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Flavorful Journey:
- Fruity Start: The taste unfolds with upfront notes of ripe fruit, followed by hints of citrus and a touch of sherry influence.
- Balanced Spice: Underlying notes of oak and baking spice add complexity and depth, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Lingering Warmth: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a pleasant warmth and lingering notes of dried fruit.
Exceptional Quality:
- Surpasses Expectations: Redbreast 12 is a truly exceptional Irish whiskey, offering a quality that rivals even some renowned single malts.
- Perfect Harmony: This expression strikes a beautiful balance between sweet and spicy elements, all harmoniously blended within its incredibly smooth and creamy body.
Pure Enjoyment:
- Best Enjoyed Neat: Redbreast 12 is best savored neat, allowing you to fully appreciate its intricate flavor profile. The smooth character makes it easy to enjoy without the need for additional water, ice, or mixers.
- Worth the Investment: While the price may seem higher at first, the exceptional quality and delightful drinking experience make it a worthwhile investment for any whiskey enthusiast.
Redbreast 12 Facts:
- Unique Grain Bill: This Irish whiskey uses a unique mash bill that includes both malted and unmalted barley, contributing to its distinct flavor profile.
- Triple-distilled & Aged: Crafted using traditional methods, Redbreast 12 undergoes triple distillation in copper pot stills before maturing for 12 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks.
- Award-Winning: Redbreast 12 has received numerous accolades, including 96 points from Whisky Advocate and Double Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition on four occasions. It was also named “Irish Whiskey of the Year” at the Irish Whiskey Awards in 2013.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Jameson Black Barrel | $30 |
| Redbreast 12 | $59 |
What do the Black Barrel and Redbreast have in common?
Both are crafted at the Jameson Distillery.
The Black Barrel and the Redbreast are both crafted at the Jameson Distillery as they are owned by Pernod Ricard from France.
Barreling and aging provides enough differences to this whiskeys making them unique from each other.