Benji-Robert
Jameson 12 Year Special Reserve
Blended — Ireland
Reviewed
August 12, 2019 (edited June 20, 2020)
Nose:
Sweet vanilla, toasted hazelnut, a quality preserve of berries ready to spread. That spicy Jameson signature sweetness is present throughout. The wife picked up a lot more sweet wood and richness, also saying she disagreed on the nuts but not the vanilla. Teasing in all the ways you want a robust Irish to.
Palate:
Cinnamon candies, glasses of good sherry glasses from the night before, sweet roasted lamb and a candela cigar. The wife seemed to say way more oily/earthy/sweet/medicinal overtones predominated for her with the floral opening matching the cask finish to the finishing linger. I agreed with the wood comment but personally had more floral finish. Rich, smooth, high notes of the "good" Jameson spices. Black tea, the faintest hint of a waft of pipe smoke, malt balance finish the tongue.
Finish:
Isnt fierce like a lot of bottling with this depth. Isnt the profile to put you in the mood to pound but tastes so good you could get in trouble fast. Clean and crisp for having so much to enjoy and savor. Makes you want to sip again and find more layers like an old trusty leather bag.
Ice makes it perfect to sip sip sip but spheres/BIG pieces/rock cubes+mineral may be the secret here... standard cube shape isnt enough...
Overall:
Outstanding but sadly discontinued and replaced at a higher (slightly)price point by the 18yr. Perfect celebration bottle--Johnny Blue type of special. For all of the positive mentioned thus far I rate it 92/100. Top-shelf assuredly. Worth any price ~100USD alllll day. I know it secondhands far higher.
If you see this dusty and it hasn't been baking in the heat:BUY IT!!!
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