Jameson Whiskey Makers series

While visiting the Jameson distillery in April, I tried the Jameson Whiskey Makers series as part of the Whiskey Makers Experience.

This trilogy was launched in July 2016 and each expression was created by one of the key craftsmen behind the Jameson brand: Brian Nation (Master Distiller, responsible for the spirit), Ger Buckley (Head Cooper, responsible for the casks and wood management) and Billy Leighton (Master Blender). They all tried to create a whiskey that focuses on their part of the production process.

All are bottled at 43% and priced around € 60.

 

 

 

Jameson Distiller’s Safe

A blend of pot still and grain whiskeys, with no malt whiskey involved. The youngest in the series, with all components between 4 and 7 years old. Entirely matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels (B1).

Light nose, with the fresh barley sugars and slightly tropical fruitiness of the spirit taking centre stage. Some blossomy hints. It’s not difficult to notice the newmake spirit in this. On the palate it is still light, grainy, fairly creamy and sweet. Pears, apple peelings and shy spices (vanilla, pepper). Icing sugar. A short, vaguely sweet finish.

It feels rather fresh off the stills indeed. I can imagine drinking this in a bar without overthinking it, but € 60 is too much to buy a whole bottle. It doesn’t feel right to pay the same for this young whiskey.

Score: 74/100

 

 

 

Jameson Cooper’s Croze

This one is said to contain whiskeys aged up to 12 years, a combination of virgin oak matured grain whisky with pot still whisky from second-fill bourbon barrels and a small percentage of sherry-seasoned casks.

More toffee, honey and vanilla on the nose. Apples and quite some grassy / green touches. Obviously more aromatic wood spices too. Touches of white chocolate. Malty palate, on citrus and stewed apples. It’s smooth but nevertheless the oaky character is all over. Honey and raisins. Gingerbread. Plenty of citrus zests, with a bitter tang. Long, woody finish.

This is a punchy version, more on the dry side as well. Probably the most interesting version in terms of sheer drinking pleasure and maturity.

Score: 80/100

 

 

 

Jameson Blender’s Dog

A combination of three distillates, matured in four oak types and spanning a wide range of ages between 5 and 12 years old.

The most sophisticated nose, it’s all about balance here. Some fruits, floral notes, vanilla and oranges, as well as light tobacco and (lightly toasted) oak. Cinnamon. Pleasant. Light on the palate, balancing raisins, black pepper and hints of dried fruits. Hints of apricots and cinnamon. Tobacco notes again. Sweet and spicy, slightly earthy finish.

While the first two have something of an experimental / educational character, this one feels like a classic Jameson expression. Well put together and showing reasonable complexity.

Score: 76/100