Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition Whiskey Review
Arguably one of the most exciting collaborations in the alcohol industry today, the Caskmates series is back with its latest release. This time, the crafty folks of Midleton have laid their whiskey down in Chieftain IPA casks, and if you listen very carefully, you can just about hear all those beer and whiskey hipsters screaming with excitement.
Like so many other great collaborations in Ireland, this one starts at the bar. David Quinn, master of whiskey science at the Midleton Distillery, plops down beside Shane Long, founder of the Franciscan Well Brewery, and the conversation naturally flourishes. Next thing we see is Jameson casks rolling towards the Franciscan Well brewery to produce a Jameson seasoned IPA. Returning the favour (or flavour!…sorry) Shandon Stout casks arrive at the Midleton Distillery to produce what will later become Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition. A tradition is born.
Currently rolling onto shelves is Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition. On the eye, we’re looking at what appears to be classic Jameson with an ever-so-slightly warmer golden hue, catching and bending light as it sticks to the sides of the glass and slowly migrates home. This bodes well. The nose is where things begin to get interesting. For me, Caskmates IPA edition can only be described as Jameson just back from its holidays, on the Riviera, complete with a fresh tan, a new lease on life, and a suitcase full of Toblerones.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
Immediately on the nose we’re treated to rich floral aromas. A second sniff will reveal a tango between these floral notes and the sweetness we’ve all come to know and expect from Jameson. Upon further investigation a fruity grapefruit note appears to cut through and join in on this little dance. If the nose doesn’t entice you to dig deeper, perhaps this isn’t the dram for you.
TASTE
As expected, the IPA has a big part to play in Caskmates’ palette. Everything we associate with IPA springs to mind: citrus, hops, and just a hint of bitterness. This is all running parallel to the Jameson’s rich honey-like sweetness and spicy mouth feel. A finish, modest in length, leaves a lingering sweetness that compliments all those unusual and contrasting IPA features.
FINISH
Overall a well-rounded, one of a kind tipple that’s sure to convert many more to the Caskmates range. An unapologetically bold and expressive whiskey that’s a bargain at roughly €40 a bottle, this is a must have in any Irish whiskey collection. At the moment, O’Briens off-licenses have the exclusive retail rights to this whiskey. Check out their write up here. Considering this is a limited release, hurry along and grab one as soon as you can. Go on. Off you pop.
Where to drink Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition
The Rag Trader… tell us where you have tried it in the comments below…
Every Whiskey Tells a Story, What Will Yours Be?
Sláinte from The Whiskey Trail
#EatDrinkExplore – By Jonathan Dungan
Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Review
This whiskey is noticeably richer and more interesting than the standard bottle, apart from the finish, which is practically the same. It is not remotely medium-length. It is short. Drink this on its own and you’re happy. Drink a Talisker 10 then drink this and the shortcomings become abundantly clear. This is about 2/3 the price of Talisker and about 1/3 the quality, which doesn’t really make much sense. But it’s still nice.