Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition Irish Whiskey Review
By Father John Rayls
Rating: B+
(Credit: Father John Rayls)
Jameson IPA Edition is the second and most recent release in the Caskmates series, after the successful release of the Stout Edition. I naturally lean more towards a malt flavor rather than hoppy in my beer, but I do enjoy a hoppy influenced brew occasionally, so as to freshen things up. I’m also attracted to this movement of beer-influenced whiskey and visa versa.
The Whiskey
The look in the glass is close to the traditional Jameson coloring, but slightly darker and warmer, appearing as a light to medium orange tint. The legs appear all around the glass simultaneously as they seem to move downward in complete harmony with each other in a synchronized dance.
The nose is subtle with aromas that are lightly fruity with hops and some oak underneath. The first taste brings a creamy, almost chewy mouthfeel. Most of the action takes place at mid-mouth and back with light hops, sweet herbal notes and some light citrus. A spicy experience begins halfway through, but never rises to hot. It continues to warm throughout the medium to long finish which presents itself with light sweet lingering fresh fruit. Of course, Jameson is known for its smoothness and this continues the tradition from the first sip to the final moment of the finish.
I really wanted to love this whiskey, but couldn’t quite get there. However, it is smooth, easy drinking and flavorful, but in a softer fashion than I prefer. However, I suspect if you love an IPA Craft Beer, you are going to love Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition Irish Whiskey.
The Price
Another great part of this unique Irish Whiskey is its suggested retail pricing of $29.99. At that price and with all the flavor packed into the bottle, there’s no excuse for not keeping a bottle on your shelf.
I bought it because it was cheap. It tastes like oak flavored vodka to me. It’s tolerable mixed in a coke on ice.
But then again, this is the first whiskey I’ve ever bought so I don’t know much about whiskey.
I was going to get Johnny Black but it was 10 bucks more. Maybe I made a mistake? Idk. But I figured Irish knew how to make a good whiskey as I love Bailey’s Irish Cream. Maybe this is suited better as an Irish coffee.
Nevertheless, after half of a glass of it mixed with Coke I am already feeling fairly drunk. And the harsh alcohol flavor of the whiskey that was kind of turning me off has melting into the sweetness of the Coca Cola so I don’t taste it anymore. That’s good.