Your JD WILL age in the barrel, and as you are using a new barrel it will take on the oak and that is why you are getting a new smell, lots of vanilla and possibly toffee, there will be the oakiness and if the barrell was chared then you may pick out a little smoke, i do.. i too am ageing my whisky although i am finishing mine off with a oak barrel which has had port in, if you get as much enjoyment out of doing this as i do then just keep doing what you are doing.... Then go tell your friend that black is really white and for once he/she is sooooooooooooo wrong.....
