Jameson Irish Whiskey: Classic, Modern, and Rare Drams

Unless you’ve never been inside an Irish pub, chances are you are at least familiar with Jameson Irish Whiskey. The famous Whiskey has spread to the four corners of the globe. It is popular with budget drinkers, cocktail lovers, and drinks connoisseurs everywhere. 

In fact, Jameson whiskey is as ubiquitous today as nearly any other spirits brand. It is an Irish icon and a gateway to the world of triple-distilled Irish whiskey blends. The brand is also progressive putting out non-traditional whiskies such as Jameson Caskmates, Jameson Cold Brew, and Jameson Black Barrel. 

Jameson Irish Whiskey has been around for well over two centuries, so what makes this whiskey such an international success?

A Brief History of Jameson Whiskey

Originally from Alloa in Scotland, John Jameson founded his distillery in Dublin in 1780. After a successful beginning, John Jameson II would take over from his father in 1805. Within a few decades, the Jameson family would become synonymous with Irish Whiskey being sold all over the world. 

By the beginning of the 19th century, Jameson was the second largest producer of whiskey in Ireland. Like all Irish producers at the time, Jameson was making their triple-distilled spirits via single-pot stills. When the Scottish producers switched to column stills, Irish producers like Jameson could no longer keep up with consumer demand. 

In 1966, the company would merge with Cork Distillers and John Powers to form the Irish Distillers Group. A decade later would see the closure of the Bow Street and John’s Lane distilleries as the entire portfolio was being shifted to the New Midleton Distillery just outside of Cork. 

New Midleton now distils whiskey for many big Irish brands including Jameson, Midleton, Powers, Redbreast, and Paddy. The original distillery on Bow Street has since seen several renovations and serves as a museum and award-winning whisky experience. The facility is also used as a finishing space for some of Jameson’s rarest libations. 

Jameson Irish Whiskey

As one can infer from the introduction, living under a rock or having been in a century-long coma are about the only valid reasons for being ignorant of this ubiquitous liquid gold. However, just because Jameson Irish Whiskey is relatively affordable and easy to find, it doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of your tumbler–just ask the man himself, Jim Murray, who awarded this whiskey a 95 in his Whisky Bible.

Jameson Irish Whiskey is triple distilled with pot stills and blended with grain whiskey. The distillate is then aged in oak casks for a minimum of four years. Bottled at 40% ABV, this flagship offering showcases the smoothness and easy, neutral character resultant of Jameson’s production process. It’s floral, grainy, smooth, and balanced with a pot still sharpness that gives it a lager-like crisp finish. Have it neat, on the rocks, or with your favorite cola or ginger ale.

Jameson Caskmates

Did someone mention beer? Despite being steeped in tradition and centuries of longevity, Jameson Caskmates demonstrates the company’s ability to evolve and innovate. As the distillery says, Caskmates is a project “for the beer lovers”--keeping in line with the current trends of craft beer. 

For hopheads, there is the IPA Edition which combines the smooth and fruity crispness of an IPA with Jameson Whiskey. For Guinness Lovers, the Stout Edition is sure to please; the brand's signature spirit has been aged in stout-seasoned barrels that add notes of cocoa, butterscotch, and milk chocolate. 

The Caskmates line is always evolving. Expect to see more collaborations with Irish craft breweries such as a pair of Jameson Crested releases put out in conjunction with Eight Degrees based in Mitchelstown, Co Cork. 

Jameson Black Barrel

The Irish Whiskey giant marries their triple distilled whiskey with double-charred barrels to produce Jameson Black Barrel. The double-charing brings new life to aging oak casks and adds a rich character that will endear barrel lovers everywhere. Expect a clean whiskey that is packed with toastiness, baking spices, and vanillas. 

According to the distillery, it’s the perfect base for an Old Fashioned but we also like to have it neat or on the rocks. It’s a great everyday drinker to have around in your favorite relaxing or hosting spaces.

Cooper’s Croze 

Part of Jameson’s Whiskey Makers Series, Cooper’s Croze is a tribute to the company’s Head Cooper, Ger Buckley. Naturally, as a cooper, Ger wanted to highlight the effects and importance of wood when working with whiskey. 

Cooper’s Croze is a tapestry woven from virgin oak, bourbon barrels, and sherry casks. When you have a dram of this spirit you are rewarded with thick layers of spice, fruit, vanilla, and other baking spices. 

Other releases from the Whiskey Makers Series include Distiller’s Safe and Blender’s Dog. It’s worth the effort to get your hands on all three and complete your Jameson Whiskey collection.

Jameson Limited Reserve 18 Year Old 

Any whiskey that’s been aged 18 years will be intriguing to most of us. Jameson Limited Reserve is a blend of rare pot still and grain whiskeys. It is crafted from specially selected casks by the Master Blender, chill filtered, and bottled at an ABV of 40%.

This 18 year old Jameson Whiskey matured in fine oak before spending at least 6 months in fresh American oak barrels before bottling. This limited treat is busting with woody and spicy aromas. 

The aging and blending process all add up to a complex palate- flavors of toffee, vanilla, spice, banana, and sherry take you on a luxurious ride. A drying, spicy finish lingers and begs you to drink more. 

Bow Street 18 Year Old Cask Strength Irish Whiskey

While pouring yourself a dram of the Limited Reserve is an occasion in itself, Bow Street 18 Year Old is the next level on the Jameson ladder. As we mentioned earlier, the original distillery functions as more than just a museum and whisky tasting experience. 

It is at Bow Street where this carefully selected Irish whiskey is married and finished in wood. The first thing any whiskey lover will notice is that this rarity weighs in at 55.3% ABV. Jameson Whiskey might be triple distilled, but this dram packs a severe punch!

As soon as you pour the whiskey, your nose is hit with floral, lemon, raisin, apple, and many other aromas. On the first sip, a full oily mouthfeel carries in rich flavors of freshly baked apple pie, cinnamon, and clove spice. Brown sugar and oak sweetness follow–you know you are drinking something rare and special. 

Jameson 2007 Rarest Vintage Reserve

The New Midleton Distillery isn’t averse to putting out the occasional, uber-limited one-off. The Jameson 2007 Rarest Vintage represents the best of what the distillery can offer. It’s a unique blend of some of the producer’s oldest (some over 20 years old) and rarest whiskies. 

What makes the 2007 Jameson Whiskey extra special is a blend of pot still distillate that was aged in a port pipe. The port character shines through layers of banana, melon, nectarine, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. At 46% ABV, this Irish Whiskey goes down far too smooth. 

Good luck finding one of these in the wild–if you do, it will fit nicely in your collection! Or if you’re like us, buy at least two so that you can drink one!

Written by Kendon Carrera