When I didn’t know much about whiskey, the original Jameson was my go-to when I wanted something fancier than random shots. Back then I wasn’t aware of the thousands of bottles available. Since these days I haven’t really laid my hand on another Jameson, not to say I would deny myself a nice pour if there was an occasion. Things changed when they released the Jameson Caskmates Series. This is the Stout Edition, but afterwards an IPA Edition & a Beau’s Edition have seen the day. I love Stouts, so it was the push I needed to try some Jameson again. Every now & then, the brewery with whom they trade barrel changes. My bottle was made with casks from Franciscan Well Brewery, but there has been a version with Eight Degrees Brewing & the next one should be a Péché Mortel variant.
Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition
Distilled by Midleton Distillery, Irish Distillers Group, Pernod Ricard
Type: Irish Blended Whiskey
Region: Midleton, Cork, Ireland
Age: NAS (however Jameson Original is aged a minimum of 4 years), finished in used Jameson Barrels that previously contained a Stout.
ABV: 40% (80 proof)
Mash bill: Malted Barley, Unmalted Barley.
Colouring: Yes
Appearance: 7/10
Jameson often comes in the classic green bottle which is better than clear glass since it protects a little against UV rays, although still not as good as brown bottles. The top is a metal screw cap, which I kind of expected since these are considered lower-end whiskeys. I don’t think it’s a valid argument to omit a cork because there’s a higher chance of oxidation or evaporation. On top of that the Caskmates edition is seen as a better offering than the Original, so more attention towards the bottle would’ve been appreciated. The label has little information about the history behind the concept as well as some tasting notes. The liquid is a clear amber colour with plenty of medium legs falling from the sides of the glass.
Nose: 8/15
At first I don’t get much from the stout barrels. There’s wood varnish, a bit of ethanol & vanilla. As I let my glass breath, hoping the whiskey will develop more refined aromas, I start to perceive some chocolate milk, floral notes, raisins & a hint of cappuccino. I must say I’m more disappointed than I thought I would be. Not that it’s bad, it’s just very boring since there isn’t much going on despite the promise of intensely roasted flavours & herbaceous hops.
Mouth: 10/15
The mouthfeel is lovely with its silky & creamy texture. The alcohol comes off as strong but leaves a moderate heat & it stops there. There’s a light sweetness as well as a faint acidity. I appreciate the physical experience of this whiskey. However, on the side of flavours it’s pretty similar to the nose with only a slightly more prominent & complex profile. The flowers have merged into some juicy pears & some orange blossoms. The stout delivers the same roasty flavours of chocolate milk & cappuccino although some new toasted marshmallow notes appear. The caramel & the vanilla are much more present on the palate. I’m much more pleased by this part of the analyze. There’s more depth & a bit more character.
Finish: 7/10
The finish is medium with notes of honey, almond milk & poached pears. I’m sad to find out the Stout will never fully reveal itself.
Overall: 64/100
The Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition is not a bad whiskey per say. It’s a neat dram that drinks easily without any defaults, except for maybe the wood varnish. It could have been far better if the Stout had lent more of its flavours.
3-word Description:
Vanilla, Chocolate Milk & Silky.
The Reference:
More information @jamesonwhiskey.com
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