Review: Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Irish Whiskey
Review: Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Irish Whiskey
Ireland pretty much has two national beverages — Irish whiskey and stout (and no, I’m not counting poitin). Why not combine the two, you say? Say hello to Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition. (Perhaps implying that other editions are in the works.)
It’s a simple idea at work here: Take Jameson Original whiskey and finish it in casks of Franciscan Well, an Irish microbrew stout. (No, it’s not Guinness, but that really isn’t barrel aged any more, anyway.) Actually, the barrels start at Jameson, then they go to the brewery, then they go back to Jameson for reuse as finishing barrels. There’s no word on how long the whiskey spends in the barrels in this final step.
The results are interesting if nothing else. Slightly darker in color, Caskmates immediately showcases a sharper nose with notes of oatmeal, nuts, and cocoa powder, a contrast to malty, fruity notes on the Original bottling. On the palate Caskmates is a more intense whiskey with flecks of coffee, chocolate malt balls, and apple cider. Standard Jameson: simple and sweet, with a mix of fruit and nuts and a backing of gentle grains. I don’t get a distinctly stout character in Caskmates — maybe a touch of hops on the finish — but on its own merits it’s a whiskey worth picking up, particularly if you’re an Irish fan.
80 proof.
B+ / $30 / jamesonwhiskey.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Irish Whiskey
$30
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couldn’t agree more!
Picked up a bottle last night for the 17th. This is sippin whiskey, neat or on the rocks. More complex than the original… thicker, creamy sweetness
There was a Guinness edition…and I’ve also had a Caskmates with an IPA from a Brooklyn brewery…I think these caskmates really enhance the favor of Jamesons for on the rocks consumption!
Jameson’s Caskmates is great and I have been drinking it for over a year when I was first introduced to it (stout version). Willing to try the IPA version and will soon. I prefer stout beer but this IPA version hopefully will be as good.