Old Oak Irish Whiskey Jamaican Rum Reserve by Jean-Claude Van Damme
Old Oak Irish Whiskey Jamaican Rum Reserve by Jean-Claude Van Damme is an 80-proof (40% ABV) 750mL five-year-old blended Irish whiskey finished in Jamaican rum casks — the deeper of the two expressions from the Belfast brand co-founded by action star Jean-Claude Van Damme. Triple distilled and sourced from carefully selected stock, it is finished at the brand's craft distillery just outside Belfast before bottling. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 5 years — finished in Jamaican rum casks
- Production: blended Irish whiskey, triple distilled, rum-cask finished
- Distillery: craft distillery just outside Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Origin: Ireland — brand co-founded by Van Damme, Kevin Carson, and Ian Rowlands
Van Damme's Rum-Barrel Whiskey
Old Oak launched in 2023 with two blends — a three-year-old and this five-year-old — the latter drawing its distinctive character from maturation in rum-reserve barrels. The brand takes its name from County Derry, the "Oak Leaf County" of co-founder Kevin Carson's home (Doire is Gaelic for oak wood), and celebrates the long whiskey-making tradition of Northern Ireland. Compare it with the Old Oak 3 Year Old and explore Irish whiskeys at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Brand tasting copy describes smooth caramel layered with Jamaican rum — dark tropical fruit, molasses, and warm spice — the rum casks adding depth over the classic triple-distilled Irish smoothness, with a warm, velvety finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a splash of water to let the rum-cask influence show. It also brings tropical character to a whiskey highball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jean-Claude Van Damme really involved with Old Oak?
Yes — Van Damme is a co-founder of the brand alongside Derry native Kevin Carson and businessman Ian Rowlands; he chose Irish whiskey over a bourbon project after tasting the blend.
How old is the Jamaican Rum Reserve expression?
Five years — a 5-year-old blend finished in Jamaican rum casks, versus the 3-year-old finished in bourbon and virgin oak.
What does the rum cask finish add?
Caramel, molasses, and warm tropical spice layered over the smooth, triple-distilled Irish whiskey base.
A five-year Irish whiskey with a Jamaican twist — buy Old Oak Jamaican Rum Reserve online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.