Early in my whiskey-drinking days, Jameson's standard bottling was my go to. When I saw the Gold Reserve, I assumed that this would be the pinnacle of all whiskey. Obviously, I had a lot to learn. Still, upon hearing that this had been discontinued, I felt compelled to try this before it was all but gone; if for no other reason, to satisfy the curiosity of my novice-self. So, let's see if this can live up to those lofty expectations. Nose: Quite grainy. Shortbread cookie, vanilla, and apple. Roasted nuts, macadamia, and almond. Sweet and floral. Caramel, toffee, and malt. Not complex or groundbreaking, but pleasant. It's very subdued and even a bit boring at first but manages to brighten up with time in the glass. Didn't care for it at first, but it's grown on me significantly. Palate: Vanilla, honey, toffee, malt, shortbread cookie. Some red apple and golden raisin. None of the grainy metallic notes I often find in Irish. This is obviously well-aged stock. Instead of the metallic notes, it's a grapefruit bitter note. Even some vegetal notes; maybe cucumber (I've only ever gotten grapefruit and cucumber in tequilas, which makes this interesting).The nutty notes from the nose come through again. This is the definition of easy-going. It may not be the most complex, but it is very enjoyable and remarkably easy to put down. Finish: Relatively short but does provide a bit of much-welcomed heat. Cinnamon and black pepper. Clove and nutmeg. Prominent oak. Where to begin with my analysis? I'll say this. It's good. I enjoyed it. $95 good? No. Worthy of the ostentatious title of "Gold Reserve?" Not particularly. Does this aspire to the level of quality that my novice-mind once imposed upon this product? Not only no, but hell no. Perfectly enjoyable background whiskey. That's all. 40% ABV really holds this one back. It's better than the Black Barrel if you don't factor VFM. But if you do, if score the latter an entire half a point higher. And the Cooper's Croze is just outright better. Ultimately, that is the superior option for Jameson NAS releases. So obviously, I won't too disappointed when this has disappeared from the shelves altogether. Jameson is obviously moving in the right direction with their higher-end releases using the Cooper's Croze as a reference point. My expectations had diminished long before I ever purchased a bottle; however, it's good enough where I'm glad I got to try it before it's all but forgotten. Cheers!