Johnny James Smoke Whiskey Review.

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 Johnny James Smoke Whiskey Review.

Johnny James Smoke Whiskey

    Celebrity-backed whiskeys can be hit or miss, but Johnny James Smoke Whiskey immediately sets out to do something different. Created by Indiana-based country artist Johnny James in partnership with Journeyman Distillery, this release is inspired directly by his song “Smoke,” blending music, storytelling, and whiskey into one concept. After first trying this at the distillery from the tail end of a bottle, revisiting it on a fresh crack felt like the right moment to see if the experience held up.

Johnny James Smoke Whiskey is produced, aged, and bottled by Journeyman Distillery. The base is a blend of bourbon whiskey and neutral grain spirits, with cinnamon added for sweetness and spice. What makes this whiskey truly unique is the smoke element. Applewood and cherrywood smoke are introduced during production, giving it a layered, campfire-inspired character meant to mirror the mood and tone of the music behind it.

    It’s an ambitious build. Bourbon, neutral grain spirit, cinnamon, and two different smoke sources all working together is not an easy balance to strike, and it’s clear this whiskey was designed with intention rather than novelty alone.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/We6DKKwg3hM.

Age Statement: N/A.

ABV: 40%.

Mash bill: N/A. Cinnamon, applewood and cherrywood smoked.

Area of Distillation: Valparaiso, Indiana.

Blend: Bourbon, neutral grain spirit.

Appearance: Slightly cloudy with a light peach hue.


On the nose:
    The first impression brings a youthful grain note from the neutral spirit, but it quickly gives way to sweet cinnamon and a pronounced smokiness. Applewood smoke leads, followed by a subtle cherrywood note that adds a tart, almost fruity edge. Brown sugar, caramel, and a creamy vanilla sweetness round things out, with touches of clove emerging as the glass opens up. The smoke is unmistakable but not harsh, settling in comfortably alongside the sweetness.

Taste:
   Sweet cinnamon hits immediately, resembling freshly grated cinnamon stick, and carries smoothly across the palate. The smoke is the star here, delivering a soft, campfire-on-your-clothes-the-next-day character that feels natural rather than forced. Applewood and cherrywood both shine, weaving together with brown sugar, vanilla icing, and gentle oak. Despite the neutral grain spirit in the blend, it drinks surprisingly smooth and cohesive.


Finish:
   As the whiskey fades, more of the bourbon influence comes through with light oak, caramel, and wood sugars. A mild pepperiness appears late, but the finish stays sweet and satisfying, leaving behind cinnamon, vanilla, and lingering smoke without overwhelming the palate.

Final Thoughts: 
    Johnny James Smoke Whiskey is unapologetically different, and for the most part, it succeeds at what it sets out to do. At around $40, the price feels a touch high, but considering the complexity of the process and the balance achieved, it’s understandable. This isn’t a whiskey for everyone, but for those who enjoy cinnamon-forward profiles and controlled smoke, it’s a genuinely enjoyable pour. Trying it before buying is the safest move, but it’s easy to see how this could be a fun bottle to share with friends or experiment with in cocktails like an Old Fashioned.


Rating: B- (Fairly good).

Cost: $39.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/We6DKKwg3hM.

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt,

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