Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Review And Tasting Notes
The Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition is an interesting Irish whiskey, spicy and full of coffee and chocolate flavors, thanks to a final passage in barrels containing the classic stout beer, the dark and spicy one like Guinness to be precise.
It is a reasonably simple whiskey, stylized due to the strong flavor imprint given by the dark beer, but overall pleasant.
Immediate and light-hearted, it is proposed as an easy drink without too many pretensions and its beauty is that it does not want to hide and to tell the truth the touch given by the stout beer is tasty adds an intriguing charm.
Considering the maximum price of 35 euros for the 1-liter bottle, we can place it in the category of cheap and chic everyday whiskeys, but this does not mean it should be considered with arrogance and is much more complex and mottled than the entry-level Jameson.
How is it done?
It was born as a blended whiskey, obviously from triple distillation in the classic Irish style and then matured in barrels used to produce Bourbon, in barrels used for Sherry and then makes a final step in stout beer barrels.
The idea, which might seem crazy to most, was actually born from a collaboration with the legendary Eight Degrees Brewing in Cork, which is located not far from the Jameson distillery, with which they often collaborate by exchanging barrels.
But as mentioned, it is not bizarre. For centuries, the Irish have been drinking a pint of Irish stout accompanied by a glass of whiskey or possibly dropping it in the famous Irish car bomb cocktail.
Organoleptic characteristics
The bouquet is intriguing, a blend of malt-biscuit and fruit oxidized by Sherry, herbs, floral notes, sweeter tones that come from malt, but then this journey into the forest turns to the dark side of malt: waves of coffee, spicy tones arrive, scary biscuits and chocolate.
The combination is decidedly stimulating, but it displaces the senses. Perhaps purists will find it risky or too pyrotechnic, but the two worlds can easily coexist at an aromatic level and have many points in common.
On the palate, it is subtle, fruity with a good rhythm that alternates herbaceous, delicate fruity flavors of apple and pear spices and then flows into a chocolaty finish full of espresso.
The structure is sound. It certainly does not bite (as is the custom of the Jameson house): first comes the softness but does not give up light acidic and toasted tones. Overall it’s well done, chiseled from stout beer, but not deep.
Medium-bodied structure, dry finish. The oxidation is very delicate. It is not a fruity bomb but focuses more on rhythm and the biscuit of the stout.
Price of the Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition
35-38 euros for the 1-liter bottle: an acceptable price, it is not a whiskey suitable for everyone, the particularly cappuccino taste (not joking) Does not go unnoticed, but it is not too acidic and does not hide surprises. As an unpretentious bottle of whiskey, it’s ok.
Cocktails to make
Irish Coffee, Whiskey sour, Rob Roy, Godfather, Rusty Nail, Penicillin.
Food Pairings
Chocolate cupcakes, cheesecakes, ciambella, Tiramisù and chocolate salami.