Tastes

This one stung. Picked it up for my partner (who loves peaty & smoky) and my eyes started watering before I even got the glass to my mouth. A peppery, spicy peat-bomb. Maybe pair it with a nice, robust cigar that could hold its own?

You would think this a step-up from the Special Reserve and Black Barrel varietals, but when we had this as a part of a Jameson tasting, I noticed that a number of people left this glass mostly full. I found out why when we sampled ours - it tasted like musty feet and age (like grandma's attic.)

The High West products have been hit-or-miss for me. This one certainly had some fruity notes to it but I mostly tasted spices, leather and peat. To the detriment of any balance to the other flavors. Pity.

Ech. Nose was fruity and sweet, while the taste was a bit more leather and spice. In the end, it tasted like I'd tried to over-toast an old leather shoe, and then make it more palatable with an astringent, fruity glaze. I just can't make myself enjoy this one right now..

Enh? This came to me with high praise, and I had it the same night I has the 12yr EC for the first time. While the sweet, rich, caramelly flavors are nice, I'd pick the 12yr (and save the money) in a heartbeat.

A little bit tart, a little bit sweet, the original Jameson is one of my go-to drinks when I'm out with friends and on a budget. Also an excellent standby to keep at home in between our more expensive whisky explorations.

The aging in ex-sherry casks is what makes this one an interesting bit for me. Another I found while at the Jameson distillery in Dublin in 2012. It's a little smokier than I generally prefer, but not so much as you might expect from a bottle labeled "Black Barrel."

Not NEARLY as good as the three wood, this one was a bit of a disappointment. Fruity, smooth, sweet (vanilla-y,) but there's really not much to it. It left me wanting, not satisfied.

Spices, spices, spices! Ginger, clove, vanilla, and a little bit peppery; rich and full-bodied, Redemption's High Rye Bourbon makes fantastic whisky caramels. Or just a simple sipping drink.