Ah, Jameson Black. I remember when I considered this to be a high end whiskey. I've since come a long way, but I do have some fond memories of this one. It's been a couple years, so let's see how this one has held up. Nose: Classic Irish. Vanilla, cereal, toffee, and caramel, shortbread cookie. It's malty and grainy, but more so the former. I suspect there's a high percentage of single pot still, and it definitely comes across as older than the standard Jameson. A faint hint of jam in the background. Some baking spice, cashew, chestnut, and oak. Palate: Once again, standard Irish. Cereal, malt, toffee, vanilla, shortbread cookie, and caramel. Into the mid palate I get raspberry and strawberry. Once again, it's apparent that there's a respectable percentage of single pot still whiskey in this blend. Finish: This is where the 'black' comes into play. Until this point, the barrel hasn't appeared. However, it's prominent right off the bat with this finish. It's accompanied by cinnamon and other spices, and rounded off with the sweet red fruit from the palate. I'll say it right now. This one is head and shoulders above the rest of Jameson's core range. Damn good stuff. Are there better Irish whiskies? Absolutely. But when you look at balance, quality, and VFM, this one will always be a solid option. Must try for any fan of Irish whiskey. If you don't like standard Jameson, don't write the brand off until you try this one because I'll bet you'll be pleasantly surprised.