Jameson Caskmates Irish Whiskey Turns to IPA For Latest

A little over two years ago, Jameson Irish Whiskey debuted Caskmates, an expression which saw extra maturation time in ex-stout beer barrels. It has proved to be a pretty good hit for the Pernod Ricard-owned whiskey brand, and now the folks behind it are expanding to IPA craft beer as the newest frontier.

The new Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition, according to those behind it, is done in much the same way as the stout version. Starting with barrels from the Midleton distillery, a local Irish brewery receives the propriety oak whiskey barrels to be filled with their local craft IPA. Once the IPA has imparted what said to be its crisp citrus notes, the barrels are sent back to Jameson to be reused to finish Jameson Original, creating the final expression.

“Quality and taste have always been our reason to be,” said Sebastien Borda, Brand Director Jameson Irish Whiskey, Pernod Ricard USA, in a prepared statement. “Jameson Caskmates IPA was born from the dedication of the whiskey making tradition that John Jameson established in 1780, combined with a relentless pursuit of original and innovative expressions for our whiskeys. Jameson Caskmates IPA brings the crisp, hoppy notes that characterizes IPA beer together with the triple-distilled smoothness of Jameson to create a one-of-a-kind and exceptional tasting whiskey.”

Caskmates IPA is set to price around $30 and is bottled at 80 proof. You’ll find official tasting notes from the distillery below for your consideration.

Nose: Floral, herbal hops, grapefruit citrus notes with subtle orchard fruits, complemented by wood shavings and a little nuttiness.

Taste: Hops and light citrus with sweet herbal notes and delicate spicy tones.

Finish: The lingering fresh fruit and hops give way to grains of barley and a signature smooth finish.