Category: Irish Whiskey Page 3 of 4

Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey

On 04/06/2020

In these trying times, savouring life’s little pleasures is essential. For many, that includes enjoying a glass of their favourite whiskey. Among the top choices in South Africa, right up there with Jack Daniel’s and Johnnie Walker, is the ever-popular Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey.

If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t sampled Jameson in a while, now’s the perfect moment to explore the intricacies of this quintessential Irish whiskey.

The Jameson name is synonymous with Irish whiskey, and with good reason. John Jameson, a Scottish lawyer, established the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin in 1780. The legacy didn’t stop with him; his four sons followed his distilling footsteps.

By the turn of the 19th century, Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey was renowned globally. But as with any great tale, world events took their toll on the Irish whiskey industry. The Irish War of Independence, subsequent trade wars, and Prohibition in the US all conspired to limit their access to the vast American market.

Also Read: Tullamore DEW Whiskey

During these challenges, Scottish distilleries embraced the column stills in the mid-19th century, revolutionising production. Unfortunately, the labour-intensive single pot still process that characterised Irish whiskey couldn’t keep pace with this innovative technique.

Fast forward to the 1960s, and a pivotal moment in Irish whiskey history occurred. Three of the four surviving Irish distilleries, namely Powers, Jameson, and the Cork Distillery Company, joined forces to create Irish Distillers.

Then, in the 1970s, they centralised production at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland. Today, the Jameson brand is owned by Pernod Ricard. This conglomerate boasts a comprehensive portfolio of Irish whiskey brands, including Redbreast, Green Spot, and Yellow Spot whiskey.

Other releases in the Jameson stable include the Jameson Caskmates IPA, and the Select Reserve. But let’s shift our focus to the main star: the Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey.

Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey Review

Jameson is a blend of pot still and grain whiskey. Like all Irish whiskey, it is triple distilled to give it the well-known Irish smoothness. The Jameson Irish whiskey is aged for 4 years in oak.

COUNTRY: Ireland

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Gold

NOSE: The aromatic journey begins with freshly baked banana bread, tropical fruits, and spicy wood and caramel hints. It’s a delicious blend of grains with plums, pineapple, and banana. The complexity of these scents is both intriguing and delightful.

PALATE: Jameson Irish whiskey delivers a smooth experience. The medium body features subtle malt undertones, aniseed, vanilla, and traces of pepper notes. Although it’s less multifaceted than anticipated after the captivating nose, adding a splash of water can soften the pepper notes.

FINISH: The finish is relatively short, leaving a gentle combination of pepper and a touch of orange rind.

RATING: GOOD

Now, let’s talk about the experience. While the nose sets high expectations with its complexity and deliciousness, the taste doesn’t quite measure up. Jameson possesses the trademark Irish smoothness, but, in comparison to the Caskmate releases, it’s somewhat bland.

The world of Irish whiskey offers more exciting options. Still, it’s hard to deny that Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey excels in marketing, making it a recognisable choice. In my recent exploration of Irish whiskey, Teeling has captured my attention with its delicious releases.

Also, if I had to choose between Jameson and the Checkers Private Barrel Co. Irish whiskey release, the latter would be my preference. Nevertheless, Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey is an affordable night-out option perfect for crafting cocktails. I’ll reserve my Jameson bottle for those cosy Irish coffees.

In South Africa the Jameson is priced for around R 360 and in India it costs around ₹ 3059.

To truly appreciate the distinction between Jameson and other brands, I did a side-by-side with Johnnie Walker Black Label. The contrast is remarkable, highlighting the unique character of each.

Additionally, I explored how Jameson stands up against Tullamore DEW whiskey, offering insight into the diversity of Irish whiskey options. This is also makes for a refreshing cocktail if you mix Jameson Irish whiskey and ginger ale.

Exploring the ever-expanding world of Irish whiskey is essential to finding the perfect match for your palate. So, as we navigate the challenges of this lockdown, take solace in the glass of Jameson and the world of flavours it offers.

Also Read: Pairing Whisky and Pizza

Private Barrel Co No 108 Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/04/2019

In Irish Whiskey

During December, Segan, a whisky friend tagged me on a post on Instagram. He tried a new Checkers Private Barrel Co release and loved it. He described it as ‘… the best tasting Irish whiskey for the sub R300 range that I’ve had this year and has a nose like a hummingbird cake.” Well; this interesting whiskey I needed to try. The whisky he was referring to was the Checkers Private Barrel Co No 108 Irishwhiskey release.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsC3YMJnxMr/

This blog is no stranger to the Checkers Private Barrel Co releases. Both their named and unnamed releases. During 2018 they released the James Sedgwick Distillery 6 yo Fino Cask Finish which was terrific. I have also tasted the Glen Grant 17 yo and the Glenlossie 15 yo whisky from their series.

But the real of the Private Barrel Co releases lies in their unnamed releases. Both Private Barrel Co No. 41 and Private Barrel Co no 68 whisky is excellent and very affordable. By not revealing the Distillery name, Private Barrel Co is able to sell the whisky at a fraction of the cost. The bottles do, however, have an age statement and full tasting notes.

The Private Barrel Co No 108 Irish whiskey is a 3 yo, aged in American Oak. It retails for R280 at Checkers, and I found a few at the Checkers store at the Mall of Africa.

Private Barrel Co No 108 3 yo Irish Whiskey Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Gold

NOSE: Oak, fruity sweetness with hints of spice, honey and orange blossoms. The nose is delicate and fragrant and opens up more when you add a few drops of water.

PALATE: Smooth and sweet with notes of fruit, vanilla, oak and caramel. Freshly baked pancakes with cinnamon sugar mixed with nutmeg. Faint hints of milk chocolate and cereal. A bit of alcohol heat that smooths out with a few drops of water. The Private Barrel Co No 108 is smooth and creamy and very easy drinking.

FINISH: Medium length with notes of oak and nutmeg.

RATING: EXCELLENT

I think Checkers has done it again. A great tasting whiskey at a reasonable price. I was a bit scared that the young age would be visible on the taste profile with a few rough edges. However, the Private Barrel Co team knows how to choose the best barrels.

Grab it if you see it, you will not be disappointed. Only 7 200 bottles were released, and I am sure there are not too many left. Thank you for the recommendation Segan. A very delicious dram!

Also Read: How to make a whisky bottle lamp

Powers John’s Lane Irish Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/21/2018

In Irish Whiskey

I am trying an Irish whiskey today, something from the Midleton Distillery; the 12 yo Powers John’s Lane Irish whiskey. In 1791 James Power, an innkeeper from Dublin, established a small distillery at his public house.

In 1822 it was renamed John Power & Son and had moved to new premises at John’s Lane. Production grew exponentially, and so did the prominence of the Powers family.

In 1841, John Power, grandson of the founder was awarded a Baronet title. From its humble beginning, the distillery grew to a facility with an output of about 900 000 gallons annually during the 1880s. The distillery covered over 6 acres of central Dublin and had a staff of about 300 people.

The last member of the Powers family to sit on the board was Sir Thomas Talbot Power, who died in 1930, and with him the Power’s Baronetcy. However, ownership remained in the family until 1966.

Also Read: Jameson Caskmates Whiskey

During the 1960s the Irish whiskey landscape went through changes. The whiskey industry was struggling during Prohibition in the USA, the Anglo Irish Trade War and the rise of competition from the Scottish whisky industry. There was also a change in consumer preference toward blended whiskeys.

Powers distillery was one of the first distilleries to install a coffey still to allow for grain whiskey production. Towards the end of the 60s Powers joined forces with the only other remaining distillers in the Irish Republic to form Irish Distillers. All existing distilleries were closed and consolidated at a new purpose-built facility in Midleton. The brand is part of the Pernod Ricard stable.

The Powers range includes the Powers Gold label, a blend of 70% pot still and 30% grain whiskey. However, the Power John Lane returns to the Powers whiskey’s origin and celebrates the style that made Powers so famous.

First released in 2011, it was an instant hit. It won the ‘Irish Whiskey of the Year’ in the 2012 edition of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Powers John’s Lane Irish Whiskey Review

The Powers John’s Lane Release is a combination of 12 yo single pot still whiskey aged in two different types of casks. The majority is matured in bourbon casks and the remaining spirit in Oloroso sherry casks.

REGION: Ireland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Dark golden honey

NOSE: Malt, rich autumn fruit, dark chocolate with hints of caramel and bits of toasted oak in the background. The John’s Lane whiskey nose is inviting and warming.

PALATE: Smooth and warming. No need for water. Notes of malt, rich fruit dusted with cocoa, sherry hints balanced with vanilla, freshly buttered toast, with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. Water softens the spices and brings more honey notes.

FINISH: Creamy and elegant ending on hints of fruit.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a nice dram. It is probably my current favourite Irish whiskey. Smooth and warming, I can understand why Jim Murray gave this a 96.5 in the 2015 Whisky Bible. For a change, I agree with him. It is delicious.

The hubby was not quite as crazy about this release as I was, but I suspect he had a crazy week at work and was not really concentrating. This Irish whsikey will feature a lot more regularly in my glass. The Powers John’s Lane Irish whiskey retails for around R900, so it is not that expensive.

Also Read: The Wild Geese Whiskey

Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/08/2017

In Irish Whiskey

When friends meet up for a drink, great things tend to happen. I know! When I meet up with my friends for drinks, we solve a world full of problems in an evening. Other friends met up for a drink during a ski holiday, and Mackmyra was created. The same is true for the Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition whiskey.

In 2013, two long-time friends met for drinks at a local pub in County Cork, Ireland. The friends were Dave Quinn, Master of Whiskey Science at Jameson distillery and Shane Long, Head Brewer at local Irish micro-brewery Franciscan Well.

Dave shared the Jameson proprietary oak whiskey barrels from the Midleton Distillery with Shane, who created a unique Irish stout aged in Jameson barrels. Afterwards, the casks were returned to Midleton distillery where they were subsequently used to give a stout finish to Jameson whiskey.

Jameson is a blended Irish whiskey produced by the Irish Distillers subsidiary of Pernod Ricard. The original distillery on this site was called the Bow Street Distillery and was established in 1780 by the Steins.

John Jameson was a Scottish lawyer from Alloa in Clackmannanshire and became the first General Manager for Bow Street Distillery. In 1805, with his son, took full ownership and expanded the distillery. The distillery was officially renamed to John Jameson & Son’s Bow Street Distillery in 1810.

In 1966 Jameson merged with Cork Distillers and John Powers to form the Irish Distillers Group. With the opening of a New Midleton distillery outside Cork in 1976, both the Dublin whiskey distilleries of Jameson in Bow Street and John’s Lane closed down.

The old Jameson distillery in Bow Street near Smithfield in Dublin now serves as a museum that offers tours and tastings.

Also Read: Teeling Single Grain Whiskey

Review and Tasting Notes for the Jameson CaskMates Stout Edition Whiskey

Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition is the standard triple-distilled Jameson Original finished in stout seasoned barrels.

COUNTRY: Ireland

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Rich dark copper colour with amber hints.

NOSE: Faints hints of coffee and dark chocolate, notes of oak, fruity sweetness, toffee and malt. The nose is subtle and sweet.

PALATE: Smooth and crisp. There are notes of spicy black pepper, bits of hops and oak. Water smoothes out the spicy pepper and releases more sweetness. Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition whiskey has a medium body.

FINISH: Ends in notes of sweetness balanced with dried orange.

RATING: VERY GOOD

Not the most complex of whiskeys. I spent some time working at a distillery and was expecting a bit more of that malty, toasted barley taste with a bit more fullness on the palate. Still, it is an exciting dram due to the Stout Cask finish. Certainly a lot more exciting than the standard Jameson release. The Jameson Caskmates pairs very nicely with a meaty pizza.

What started as a discussion over a pint or 2 and some experimentation, ended up in an enjoyable dram. At a retail price of around R380 in South Africa, this is certainly affordable. Even more delicious than the Caskmates release is the Jameson Select Reserve whiskey. I wrote about my experience tasting it and it is probablay my favourite Jameson’s to date.

Also Read: Tullamore DEW vs Jameson Irish Whiskey Comparison

Bushmills 16 year old Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/20/2017

In Irish Whiskey

The Bushmills 16 year old single malt Irish whiskey is probably one of the dustiest bottles in my collection. I have had this bottle for more than eight years, and although we have tried it a few times, I have never written about it.

With all the new whisky arrivals, it got moved right to the back of my whisky cupboard. In December, while sorting and organizing, I stumbled across it again. So it made it to my tasting list early in 2017.

Bushmills is a distillery in Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The Bushmills Old Distillery Company itself established in 1784 by Hugh Anderson. However, there is limited information available on any whiskey distilled during that early time.

After various periods of closure in its subsequent history, the distillery has been in continuous operation since it was rebuilt after a fire in 1885. In 1890, a steamship named SS Bushmills, travelled across the Atlantic to deliver Bushmills whiskey to America.

Also Read: Jameson Select Reserve whiskey

In the early 20th century, America was a significant market for Bushmills. Then came the American Prohibition in 1920. It harmed Bushmills and the Irish whiskey industry. But Bushmills managed to survive and when Prohibition ended, had ample stores of whiskey ready to export.

The Bushmills Distillery changed hands a few times, and in 2005, it became part of the Diageo stable. In November 2014, Diageo announced that the Bushmills brand was being traded with Jose Cuervo in exchange for the 50% of the Don Julio brand of tequila that Diageo did not already own.

Bushmills 16 year old Irish Whiskey Review

The core range of single malts consists of a 10 year old, the 16 year old and a 21 year old finished in Madeira casks for two years. Bushmills single malt whiskey 16 year old is aged in a combination of Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon-seasoned casks, then matured for several months in port pipes.

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Dark Copper mahogany

NOSE: Sherry sweetness, vanilla and roasted apples, stewed fruit. Rich and creamy with hints of honey and cinnamon.

PALATE: Smooth with notes of Christmas spices and summer fruit, oak, vanilla, honey and citrus. The Bushmills 16 year old single malt is not very complex, and although it is smooth, it is not as easy-drinking as I expected. Water brings out a bit more vanilla sweetness and tones down the citrus but also flattens the dram.

FINISH: Arid woody finish with notes citrus, pepper and oak. Hints of wet leather.

RATING: VERY GOOD

It is as if you have three beautiful puzzle pieces in your hand, but they are from 3 different puzzles. The pieces don’t fit together quite so well. They are all a bit disjointed.

I was expecting a bit more from the Bushmills 16 year old whiskey. I need to explore from this Irish distillery to see if I can find something nicer. What release should I try?

Also Read:Dunville’s Three Crowns Sherry Finish Whiskey