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Jameson Collaborates On A New Barleywine Cask Finished Irish Whiskey

The makers of Jameson Irish Whiskey recently collaborated with Eight Degrees Brewing for another edition of the Jameson Crested series, this time finished in barleywine casks.

This third edition, the Jameson Crested Finished in Barleywine Irish Oak Barrels, is a limited-edition whiskey that came out of the partnership between Irish Distillers and the Cork-based brewery, described as being known for its product innovation and experimentation.

The collaboration started by selecting Irish oak barrels from Midleton Distillery’s curated inventory. The brewery team at Eight Degrees then selected barleywine, a traditional malt-forward beer, to rest in the barrels for three months to make what’s said to be a rich and complex sipping beer infused with whiskey flavors for their Original Gravity series.

Jameson Crested Barleywine
Jameson Crested Barleywine (image via Jameson)

Once emptied, the beer-seasoned barrels were then returned to Midleton, filled with Jameson Crested, and left to mature another three months.

The distiller’s notes show the end result is a Jameson Crested whiskey with roasted, malted barley flavor and notes of toasted almonds and sweet candy floss. Bottled at 45% ABV, the whiskey features oak tannins and dried fruits with cereal notes and nutty undertones from the barleywine for a full-bodied flavor.

“Our relationship with Eight Degrees Brewing continues to provide a springboard for innovation, adding a new dimension to both our whiskeys and beers,” said Irish Distillers’ Blender Deirdre O’Carroll in a prepared statement. “As a wood, Irish oak is much more porous than its American counterpart, meaning the barrels have been quick to mature and impart flavors of caramel and dairy fudge, which have worked elegantly in tandem with the nutty, malted flavor of the barleywine for a luscious whiskey which is truly Irish in every sip.”

Derek Neville, head cellarman at Eight Degrees Brewing, said, “It’s a rare privilege to work with Irish oak in beer brewing and the buttery creaminess the casks added to our Original Gravity Irish Oak-Aged Barleywine was immediately distinctive. We are thrilled to see the seasoned casks return to their rightful resting place, with our beer imparting a sweet, malted character to this special bottling of the iconic Jameson Crested.”

The partnership’s celebration of Ireland continues on packaging with designs from local artist Coireall Carroll Kent found on both the Jameson Crested bottle and the Eight Degrees beer cans. Featuring historical patterns and ancient tree roots, the artwork is a celebration of the Irish countryside.

Jameson Crested Finished in Barleywine Irish Oak Barrels consists of about 10,000 bottles and will be available in Jameson’s brand home outlets at Jameson Distillery, Bow Street, Dublin, Midleton Distillery, Cork, as well as in global travel retail and through Jameson’s online shop, priced at €50 (70cl). In Ireland, it will also be available in O’Brien’s Off Licenses and other specialist off licenses.

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