Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition

I am not a fan of Original Jameson; just don’t care for that pot still unmalted barley taste, but I figured I’d give this a try because I like IPAs, especially the more floral English style. Alas, this whiskey was a higher disappointment. Not only did it have that coppery Irish pot still taste, but it was also bitter, alcoholic, and tasted of overused casks and underage grain whiskey. The aroma started off with promise; less pot still smell; more depth, more sweetness, even a hint of esters. But the palate began with a pretty dry and very Irish tasting arrival, some sugar, some vanilla, but obvious alcohol and youth. The end of the swallow got sweeter, and the finish had some lingering vanilla and Irish pot still flavor, but it was mild, tainted with alcohol and oak tannins, and mercifully short. I don’t like regular Jameson, but I’m doing this as a side by side and the regular is so much better. Sweeter, peppier, and even though I don’t like the Irish taste, it is more distinctive and comes through on the original. Blech. Wish I had left this on the shelf.

Much more complex, compared to the standard Jameson. Still not a great whiskey, but interesting. Don't taste IPA notes specifically, just a deeper, richer flavor than the standard. Worth the $5 premium for sure over the standard, but still not a great value in Irish whiskey. Take something like the Bushmills Black Bush or Teelings Small Batch -- both are far better for a similar price.

Smooth. Since I’m not used to tasting whiskey, it’s been a little different. But it’s been easiest. IPAs are my beer of choice so I was drawn to this particular whiskey!

it's no coopers cruze