The Irish Whisky You Will Want To Have But Can’t: Jameson Caskmates

It isn’t often I see a whisky from overseas I’m wanting to get a bottle of but know I’ll never ever get the chance to find, except perhaps on a whiskey auction website. A very limited edition release from the Jameson brand is one such one I wish I could get a hold of because of the fact it was finished in stout-seasoned barrels.

Jameson Caskmates, of which only 3,500 bottles were made available in Ireland, is an experimental offering that was a collaboration between Irish Distillers (those behind Jameson), and the Franciscan Wells Brewery in Cork. The partnership between the two started last year, at which time the brewery used seasoned Jameson casks to age an Irish stout. These barrels, after being emptied of the beer, were returned to the distillery, where they were refilled with Jameson whisky to see what would result.

Tasting notes for the final product are below, courtesy of Jameson. There’s also a short video to check out which details a little more of the collaboration.

Nose: The initial aroma of freshly mown Hay is complimented by a crisp Orchard Fruit character, Green Apples and Pears along with a twist of Lime Zest. Mild Pot Still Spices appear, deepening from Green Tea to Hazel Nut and Milk Chocolate. The lingering Hop influence combines effortlessly with Toasted Oak and Barley Grains to form a solid base.

Taste: As expected, there is the initial sweet mouth coating typical of the Irish Pot Still Whiskey inclusion. Then the effect of the Beer Cask finish becomes apparent with the subtle touch of Hops and Cocoa Beans. Some Marzipan and Charred Oak add to the complexity.

Finish: Long and sweet with Milk Chocolate and Butterscotch

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NNq49oEuPo]