One Of The Best Whiskeys Under $60 Is Also Our Top Pick From This Iconic Irish Brand

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As the best-selling and best-known Irish whiskey in the world, Jameson more than deserves its laurels, with a smoothness derived from triple distillation and a versatility that should earn that signature green bottle a spot in any decent drinks cabinet. However, another option is worth considering, especially for those who want a whiskey that strikes a balance between quality and affordability: Jameson Black Barrel is not only one of the best whiskeys under $60, but also our top pick from the iconic Irish brand.

Made with a significantly higher proportion of single pot still whiskey than other Jameson varieties, Black Barrel owes its name to being matured in double-charred barrels, and the resulting flavor profile proved a hit with Tasting Table's critics. In our recent rundown of the 16 best whiskey bottles under $60, our tester declared: "It's perhaps the best bottle in the core Jameson range, taking the approachable character you get from its flagship bottle and adding some more richness and complexity." Jameson's promise of a sweet yet spicy tasting experience was delivered upon, with our critic reporting: "There's a velvety combination of caramel, honey, and vanilla contrasted by more earthy notes of roasted nuts, cinnamon, and charred oak, before you get to enjoy warming spice on an impressive finish."

We at Tasting Table so enjoyed Black Barrel that we didn't just recommend it to those eager for a good tipple while watching their wallet, but placed it in the top spot after trying and ranking five Jameson Irish whiskeys. Our critic took particular note of the flavors imparted by Jameson's common use of bourbon or fortified wine barrels for the ageing process. The result is a whiskey elevated by "everything that's great about bourbon." Elaborating, our tester explained: "Black Barrel ripples with citrus and brown sugar, and ... there's something like potassium or oxalic acid, a metallic umami that will make you wonder if someone managed to deduct all the actual earth from potting soil ... Black Barrel is a mystery, but worth your investigation even if you never solve it."

On social media, other whiskey fans were similarly impressed. Writing on the r/whiskey subreddit, one commenter described Black Barrel as "hands down the best whiskey you can get under $50," while another judged it "one of the most underrated bottles in the Irish section." Despite how well this whiskey can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, our critic added that Black Barrel is extremely well-suited for cocktails. While Jameson themselves recommend using it for an Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Sour, you should also consider it an excellent candidate for a classic whiskey highball, the clean, effervescent simplicity of which would allow the whiskey's subtleties to shine, rather than being overpowered or obscured.