Description
Jameson Caskmates Stout Bottling Note
Jameson Caskmates is an intriguing release. Having sent some of their casks to the local craft stout brewers at Franciscan Well, the casks were returned to Midleton where they were subsequently used to give a stout finish to Jameson!
We tasted it before it was available in the UK when we visited Cork just before St. Patrick's Day 2015, and we know that some of the fine folk at Irish Distillers were worried that it may be seen as a bit of a gimmick. Perhaps to an extent it is, but more importantly, it works - a worthwhile experiment that's produced a unique and interesting Irish whiskey.
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
Nose: There's still cut grass and some fruit alongside delicious oily pot still character, but things are different here too. Is it sweeter? A different sweetness perhaps, more wood spice plus chocolate liqueur. A shift of emphasis.
Palate: Orchard fruits, great mouthfeel but the vanilla cream is less prominent, it's more fragrant (hoppy?) and floral on the palate with a touch of bitterness.
Finish: Again familiar, but different, that different complexion of spice with chocolate from the nose lingers briefly.
Overall: An interesting twist on an old favourite, and a great gift for Irish whiskey and stout fans alike!