Good news for Irish whiskey fans: Jameson has just introduced a new whiskey called Jameson Caskmates. This is a permanent line extension joining the core range of whiskeys, and you can find it nationwide starting right now.
In creating Jameson Caskmates, the distillery finished Jameson Original in seasoned stout casks from local Irish microbrewery Franciscan Well. The result is a whiskey that sports the smoothness of Jameson Original, but now with new added notes of coffee, cocoa and hops.
Until we get our hands on a bottle, here are some tasting notes from the company, complete with curious capitalizations.
Nose: The initial aroma of freshly mown Hay is complimented by a crisp Orchard Fruit character, Green Apples and Pears along with a twist of Lime Zest. Mild Pot Still Spices appear, deepening from Green Tea to Hazel Nut and Milk Chocolate. The lingering Hop influence combines effortlessly with Toasted Oak and Barley Grains to form a solid base.
Taste: As expected, there is the initial sweet mouth coating typical of the Irish Pot Still Whiskey inclusion. Then the effect of the Beer Cask finish becomes apparent with the subtle touch of Hops and Cocoa Beans. Some Marzipan and Charred Oak add to the complexity.
Finish: Long and sweet with Milk Chocolate and Butterscotch.
You can drink this one neat or on the rocks. And for a little more experimentation, try pairing Jameson Caskmates with a pint of stout.
Jameson Caskmates is available now for a suggested retail price of $29.99. More info here.
