Jameson Bow Street 18 Year Old Cask Strength Irish Whiskey Review

By Emma Briones

Rating: B+

Jameson Bow Street 18 Year Old Cask Strength
(Credit: Richard Thomas)

Jameson is nowadays the flagship for Irish Whiskey. Much of that has to do with how sales of its entry-level, basic Jameson Irish Whiskey account for a huge proportion of the Irish Whiskey market, but some of it has to do with the quality of other top shelf Jameson expressions. The latest example, Jameson Bow Street 18 Year Old Cask Strength, in an example of the latter.

It is the first cask strength from the Irish brand, as well as a homage to its Dublin heritage, made from 3 signature distillates of grain and Pot Still whiskey, distilled at the Midleton distillery in Cork aged for 18 years in ex-bourbon and Sherry barrels. The spirit is then married and re-casked in fresh American oak barrels for a period of six to twelve months at the brand’s original home in Dublin. The whiskey is bottled without chill-filtration and in its natural color, at cask strength (55.3% volume or 111 proof).

This is the first limited edition release, and is slated to become an annual limited edition series.

The Whiskey
In the glass, the whiskey is copper amber in color. On the nose, the liquid proffers an intense scent, with oak notes empowered by a spicy touch of ginger and white pepper. This is followed by a wave of sweet vanilla and caramel, that slowly blends with a light sherry touch.

On the palate, Jameson Bow Street 18 Cask Strength is warm and has a medium body. Sweet and melow, starts with vanilla, caramel and icing sugar notes. There are also some peach pie and plums notes.

It is spicy, with toasted oak notes and a mix of white pepper, ginger and a slight touch of clove.

The finish is quite lengthy and dry. The spices prevail, along with a vanilla and oak touch.

There is something special happening right now in Ireland. Innovation and tradition are finding common places to create really interesting whiskies. The work behind Jameson (and of the team at the Midleton distillery), reinforces its leading position. Jameson Bow St 18 Cask strength proves it.

It is a complex and interesting whiskey that shows how Irish whiskey can compete with other categories effortlessly. The only downside (if there is any) is that the limited quantity makes it a little bit pricey.

The Price
Jameson Bow St 18 Cask Strength is available in limited quantities in 20 markets. It is retailed at 240 ($280).