Today’s reviews is not of a single malt, but rather a new-ish (locally at least) Irish Blended whisky with a wee twist. So, what’s unique to this edition you ask? well… The story goes like this: Jameson have shared some of their casks with 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. Now, Finishing a whisky in Beer casks, or vice versa is not a new notion, but It is quite interesting to see the effect of such a cask on the very popular Irish whiskey that is Jameson. Let’s get tasting.
Jameson Caskmates , 40% abv , £23 / 120 NIS 
Nose: Starts quite spirit-y and sharp on first nosing, and needs some time to relax in the glass IMHO. After a few minutes, there’s a nice fruitiness coming out, mostly apple and some orchard fruit, citrus vanilla and a very faint hint of chocolate.
Palate: Again there’s an alcohol bite (Young grain component, methinks), vanilla ice cream, apple / pear, and more bitter chocolate, and toasted wood. Some bitterness (maybe coming from the ex-Stout casks)
Finish: Dark chocolate, spice, bitter wood.
I am not overly impressed with this one, It’s still very much a Jameson (for better or worse, depending on your preference). The stout does add a bitter / chocolate-y touch, so that’s a nice twist on the ‘vanilla’ Jameson. It’s basically still an entry point easy drinking blended Whiskey, with a nice story, and a wee twist. Jameson fans will want to try some of the liquid at least once.
I totally agree with you on “not-being-too-impressed” with Jameson Irish Whiskey.
I bought a bottle of their standard expression and after opening it and pouring a dram, I was ‘scared off’ so to speak by a really nasty metallic smell on the nose (I could not believe me eyes… err nose! Young stuff I guess). On the palate the whiskey itself is very smooth and light (apparently a thing with Irish whiskey…) definitely not unpleasant. But still, the nose on this one is really bothering me 😉
Still a good dram for sipping if you just want to relax (I normally don’t do it, but I think I will mix this one with Coke and ice^^).
Cheers
Cato