Proper No. Twelve Black Reserve Irish Whiskey 750mL

Proper No. Twelve Black Reserve Irish Whiskey

Blended Irish Whiskey | Triple Distilled | American Oak Bourbon Casks | 40% ABV | 80 Proof | 750mL

Process & Profile

Proper No. Twelve Black Reserve brings a deeper oak character to the brand’s blend of malt and grain whiskey. Triple distillation and bourbon-cask maturation provide its Irish whiskey foundation, while a more pronounced char influence gives this expression a richer direction. It is a useful next pour for someone who enjoys Proper No. Twelve Original and wants to explore another side of the range.

Black Reserve matures in first- and second-fill American oak bourbon casks, with heavily charred wood helping develop its caramel and toasted-oak character. The producer describes a minimum of four years of aging. First-fill and previously used casks contribute different layers, bringing together the sweetness associated with bourbon barrels and the character of the whiskey itself.

The profile moves between sweet dessert notes and a more savory edge: crème brûlée, toffee apple, and vanilla sit alongside fired oak, cacao, and hints of dill. Bottled at 80 proof, it offers an approachable way to explore those contrasts neat, over ice, or in a whiskey-forward cocktail. This listing is for the 750mL bottle.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Toasted oak and vanilla with caramel-like sweetness.
• Palate: Crème brûlée and toffee apple meet rich fired oak, with accents of cacao and dill.
• Finish: Oak, vanilla, and gentle spice carry the darker barrel character through the final sip.

What Makes It Special

• Malt and grain blend: Brings together two components of the Irish whiskey tradition.
• Triple distilled: A defining production detail shared with the Proper No. Twelve range.
• First- and second-fill bourbon casks: Different stages of American oak use contribute complementary flavors.
• Heavily charred oak influence: Gives Black Reserve its richer caramel and toasted-wood direction.
• 80-proof bottling: Suitable for comparing neat pours, ice, and classic mixed serves.

How to Enjoy

Start with a small pour neat in a tasting glass, then try a little water or a large ice cube to explore the balance between sweet vanilla, fruit, and oak. Comparing it alongside Proper No. Twelve Original is another way to notice how the barrel character changes the experience.

For a cocktail, try the brand’s Black Honey Old Fashioned suggestion: add a bar spoon of honey to your preferred Old Fashioned preparation. For a simple food accompaniment, try dark chocolate, lightly toasted nuts, or apple tart alongside the whiskey’s cacao, oak, and toffee-apple notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of whiskey is Proper No. Twelve Black Reserve?
It is a blended Irish whiskey made with malt and grain whiskey. It is triple distilled and matured in American oak bourbon casks.

2. How is Black Reserve different from Proper No. Twelve Original?
Black Reserve emphasizes heavily charred bourbon-barrel influence for a richer, more toasted-oak character. Its flavor profile includes crème brûlée, toffee apple, vanilla, cacao, and a savory hint of dill.

3. Does the name Proper No. Twelve mean it is 12 years old?
No. The producer describes Black Reserve as aged for a minimum of four years. The number in the brand name is not a 12-year age statement for this bottle.

4. What are the bottle size and alcohol strength?
This bottle is 750mL at 40% alcohol by volume, equivalent to 80 proof. It can be enjoyed neat, with ice, or in an Old Fashioned.

5. Where can I buy Proper No. Twelve Black Reserve Irish Whiskey?
You can purchase Proper No. Twelve Black Reserve Irish Whiskey 750mL from The Barrel Tap. See the listing for current availability and delivery options.