Jameson Caskmates Irish Whiskey Review
Updated March 12, 2019
By Richard Thomas
Average Rating: B-
(Credit: Richard Thomas)
When Cork County craft brewer Franciscan Well released their Jameson Stout in Ireland a couple of years back, it set off quite a stir in local circles. That beer began when New Midleton’s Master of Whiskey Science David Quinn made a friendly loan of some used, first-fill bourbon barrels to Franciscan Well’s Shane Long, and after Long had used them to make what was intended as a limited edition stout, he returned them to New Midleton.
Quinn has said he was initially at a loss as to what to do with those barrels, but knowing the wood still had plenty of life left, decided to try using them to finish some regular Jameson whiskey. The result was the first batch of Jameson Caskmates, which like the beer that preceded it, was available only in Ireland for the most part and set of quite a stir there.
Both Franciscan Well and New Midleton have built on that warm reception. Franciscan Well made more stout and began experimenting with using Jameson whiskey wood to age other beers, while Midleton put the barrels Franciscan Well kept sending back to make a new, larger batch of Caskmates.
The Whiskey
Bottled at 40% abv, Jameson Caksmates has a rich, deep gold appearance, tinged with just a little drop of copper. The nose promises something quite removed from the typical Jameson, which is already saying something as the brand is one of the better mass market whiskeys out there. Caramel and vanilla combine with grassy green tea and mild pot still spices, the latter giving the whiskey a crisp character without losing any of its heft.
The flavor reveals that Jameson base of malty, honeyed sweetness seasoned with citrus zest and other spices, but the texture is far creamier, larger helpings of the spices have been added, and some cocoa and marzipan thrown in for good measure. The finish is light on the warmth, but tingles with a chocolate dip.
This is definitely more than just a whiskey with an overlay of beer, but I yet to find an instance of a beer barrel-finished whiskey that was merely that. The interplay between the stouted, second-fill bourbon wood and the whiskey has put as interesting a spin on Jameson as just about any finish I’ve tasted, and definitely ups the Jameson game by a full step.
Addendum by Father John Rayls
The palette is not complex, but is somewhat surprising. It’s very straight forward with vanilla cream, chocolate and light coffee with some faint hops in the background, with the mouthfeel offering a very pleasant, creamy experience. Most of the action takes place at mid-mouth and forward.
The finish gradually takes over as it migrates forward out to the lips. Its duration is a medium to long one filled with vanilla, milk chocolate and butterscotch. In addition, some spiciness begins as light all-spice/cinnamon but quickly transitions to pepper as the sides of the tongue are activated eventually including the lips. It never drinks hot but presents a steadily warming experience. There is no need to add water or ice. If you like it cold, I would suggest putting the whole bottle in the freezer or refrigerator and drinking it neat.
Addendum by Emma Briones
Jameson Caskmates Stout is amber on the glass with some copper tones. It has small tears. On the nose, it is a little bit different than your usual Jameson Original. It has the fruity scents of pear and apples, but also a touch of coconut. There are toasted oak and vanilla notes with a heathery touch. A sweeter version of Jameson Original.
On the palate, it has a medium body and it is slightly oily. It highlights coconut notes, but there are also green apple and pears. It has some almond and vanilla notes, blended with a bitter touch. A coffee and chocolate feel too. The finish is medium and a little bit bitter.
A beer finishing for a new whiskey is a safe bet. But if we want give a twist to our usual whiskey, there might be undesired consequences. With Jameson Caskmates Stout we don’t have to worry about it. The stout finishing brings something different to the table without losing its essence. It is perfect for Jameson fans and a nice dram for everyone else.
The Price
The first batch of Caskmates went for €35, and went quickly, but nowadays it is available in the States for between $28 and $33.
WHISKEY barrels,man,not bourbon barrels!
I don’t like this as much as I thought I would. I like both Jameson and a good stout, so where’s the problem?
To me, this trades most of the original Jameson pot still character for a creamier mouthfeel and flavours found in most “ordinary” blended scotches or dry dark rums. For a cheap NAS blend, this is quite close to the Nicaraguan Flor de Cana Gran Reserva straight aged 7 year old rum. Cocoa, vanilla, and butterscotch, with baking spices in the background.
It’s not bad at all, it just isn’t for me. I applaud Jameson for trying something new, but I still don’t like it as much as the regular Jameson.