Some celebrity whiskeys feel like quick cash grabs. Others feel like someone actually cared about what went into the bottle. Jonny James is an Indiana-based country artist, and while I’m not someone who listens to a ton of country music, I’ll admit he’s got a few songs I actually enjoy. So seeing him partner with Journeyman Distillery instantly made this release more interesting than most celebrity bottles.
What really caught my attention wasn’t just the name. It was the process. This isn’t simply bourbon with a fancy label. This is a blend that includes bourbon, neutral grain spirits, added cinnamon, and actual smoke from applewood and cherrywood. There’s a lot going on here, and normally that would make me nervous. But after trying a small pour at the distillery months ago, I walked away more impressed than I expected. Now it’s time to see how it holds up from a fresh crack.
This release blends bourbon whiskey with neutral grain spirits and then layers in cinnamon along with smoke from both applewood and cherrywood. It’s clearly meant to reflect his song “Smoke,” and instead of feeling gimmicky, it actually feels like they tried to build a flavor profile that matches the name. That’s not an easy balance to pull off, especially when you’re dealing with added flavor, smoke influence, and neutral grain spirits all in the same bottle.
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:
Jonny 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 might not be for everyone, if you 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.
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