With its rich history dating back to 1780, the Jameson brand has become synonymous with Irish whiskey, known worldwide for its smooth, triple-distilled character.
During our visit to the Jameson Distillery Pop-Up Tour last August, my team and I enjoyed exploring the distillation process, from the grains to the aging process.
Join me as we share the highlight of our tour – the whiskey-tasting experience, where we had the privilege of savoring some of the best Jameson whiskey variants.
Top 12 Best Jameson Whiskey To Sip
1. Jameson 18 Year
Average Price: Roughly $189.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Rich oak, dark chocolate, dried fruits, toffee, and leather.
Palate: Velvety, complex, ripe berries, toasted nuts, baking spices, and a subtle smokiness.
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: This 18-Year whiskey deserves the spotlight for all the right reasons. It is one of the best Jameson whiskey, and its tasting notes shine as it was served straight at the tour.
As I raised the glass to my lips, the anticipation was met with an aroma that instantly captivated me: aromatic oils mingling with the faintest hint of wood and spicy toffee.
“What we have to be mindful of is that, probably through Jameson, we have set a very high quality standard for the Irish category.” -Billy Leighton, Irish Distiller
The first sip revealed how this spirit is wonderfully mellow and smooth, creating an immediate sense of indulgence. It’s not just a drink; it’s a mouthful of complexity bottled at cask strength.
Toffee dances on the taste buds, intermingling seamlessly with a symphony of spice and subtle wood notes, and deepens with a gentle sherry nuttiness. But what proof is Jameson whiskey?
2. Jameson Black Barrel
Average Price: Roughly $34.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Intense, caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of ripe banana.
Palate: Robust, creamy, toffee, chocolate, spiced orchard fruits, and nutmeg.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: The aroma greeted me with intensified butterscotch, fudge, and creamy toffee.
Nutty notes danced on my palate, perfectly balanced with the smooth sweetness of spice and vanilla. It was a harmonious blend I appreciate more as it is served straight.
This good whiskey, born from the fires of double-charred wood barrels, promises an untold richness and complexity that beckons exploration.
3. Jameson Caskmates IPA
Average Price: Roughly $21.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Vibrant citrus, floral hops, orchard fruits, vanilla, and a subtle herbal note.
Palate: Zesty, creamy, green apples, hoppy bitterness, and a hint of caramel.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: The floral and herbal hops took the lead, and subtle orchard fruits added depth to the Jameson Caskmates IPA.
With the first sip, hops burst on my taste buds, bringing a crisp and refreshing character that danced harmoniously with the bright, invigorating citrus notes.
It is the best whiskey for beer lovers because it is an easy-drinking whiskey with delicate hoppy tones that add an unexpected twist. Find out how to drink Jameson whiskey here.
Bartender Tip: The tasting notes can improve with ginger ale, ice, or a splash of water.
4. Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition
Average Price: Roughly $21.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Roasted coffee, dark chocolate, caramel, toasted oak, and a subtle hint of malt.
Palate: Smooth, velvety, rich coffee, dark toffee, vanilla, and hoppy bitterness.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: The initial aroma of Jameson Caskmates Stout was reminiscent of freshly cut hay, creating an inviting atmosphere suitable for whiskey and beer lovers.
As I ventured deeper, I discovered a crisp character of green apples and pears with a twist of lime zest. I was met with a mouth-coating sweetness, a hallmark of Irish pot still whiskeys.
Jameson Caskmates Stout has a subtle touch of hops and cocoa beans, imparted by the beer cask finish. The marriage of these elements created a harmonious blend of sweetness and bitterness that you will not find in other grain whiskeys.
5. Jameson Cold Brew
Average Price: Roughly $21.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 30% ABV
Nose: Invigorating coffee beans, sweet vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of cocoa.
Palate: Smooth, creamy, cold brew, dark chocolate, honeyed malt, and a gentle touch of spice.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: My nose was captivated by the intensity of rich cold brew coffee aromatics. It was a powerful and inviting introduction, setting the stage for what would come.
As I enjoyed Cold Brew, it was as if I had sipped the finest cold brew with an intriguing twist.
The contribution from the pot still whiskey revealed itself with charred wood notes, creating a symphony of flavors on the palate, especially when combined with the best Jameson cocktails like Irish coffee. But is Jameson whiskey really good?
6. Jameson Crested
Average Price: Roughly $179.99 (Cask Cartel)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Robust, orchard fruits, apricot, hints of marzipan, and toasted oak.
Palate: Smooth, black pepper, full-bodied, creamy vanilla, sherry, rich spices, and almond.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: As I explored Jameson Crested, I was introduced to a world of delicate black pepper and toasted bourbon oak barrels undertones.
The whiskey embraced my palate with a symphony of flavors—fruit, spice, and chocolate hints danced together perfectly. The oak lingered, leaving a gentle, inviting embrace.
7. Jameson Gold Reserve
Average Price: Roughly $699.99 (Cask Cartel)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Rich, honeyed malt, ripe pear, vanilla, toffee, and a subtle floral note.
Palate: Luxuriously smooth, creamy, sweet orchard fruits, caramel, oak spices, and a hint of cinnamon.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Gold Reserve is first aged in bourbon oak barrels and ex-sherry casks, a combination that nurtures the whiskey’s inherent honey-toasted sweetness.
Notes of spice gracefully surface, adding depth and complexity. The whiskey’s time spent in bourbon oak barrels imparts a symphony of flavors.
Notes of spice gently surface, adding layers of depth and intrigue.
8. Jameson Irish Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $42.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Rich, honeyed malt, ripe pear, vanilla, toffee, and a subtle floral note.
Palate: Luxuriously smooth, sweet orchard fruits, caramel, oak spices, and a hint of cinnamon.
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Jameson Irish whiskey is a single-pot Irish whiskey [1] made from malted and unmalted barley. What sets it apart is the meticulous triple distillation process, not out of necessity but a desire to achieve its signature smoothness.
As I savored this exceptional whiskey, I was greeted by the perfect balance of flavors. Spicy, nutty, and vanilla notes intermingled seamlessly, creating a taste that was nothing short of extraordinary.
Hints of sweet-tasting notes added depth, while the overall smoothness was a testament to the artistry of the distillation process.
9. Jameson Orange
Average Price: Roughly $45.99 (ABC)
Alcohol Content: % ABV
Nose: Orange peel, sweet, zesty, chocolate
Palate: Delicate, full mouthfeel, smooth, distinct orange zest, nutty, sweet vanilla
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: When it comes to innovation, Midleton Distillery knows no bounds, and Jameson Orange is the perfect testament to this adventurous spirit.
Jameson Orange is an exciting departure from the norm, offering a delightful twist on the best Jameson Irish whiskey.
At the heart of Jameson Orange lies the signature smoothness of triple-distilled whiskey. But what sets it apart is the infusion of natural orange flavors that create a refreshing experience.
Jameson Orange stands out with its distinctive tasting notes, adding a citrusy brightness. Hints of spiciness, nuttiness, and sweet vanilla will complement the best Jameson cocktails [2].
10. Jameson Black Barrel Proof
Average Price: Roughly $59.99 (Wine Transit)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Robust, charred oak, toasted caramel, hints of vanilla, rich spices, and dark chocolate.
Palate: Full-bodied, intense, smoky toffee, ripe orchard fruits, bold, peppery spices, and a hint of roasted chocolate
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Jameson Black Barrel Proof is crafted from a blend of pot still and grain whiskey, a marriage that is aged in a combination of American oak, sherry casks, and double-charred ex-bourbon barrels.
As I savored this potent expression, I was greeted by rich and comforting butterscotch, toffee, and vanilla notes.
Nutty notes danced alongside the smooth sweetness of spice and vanilla, creating a symphony of flavors that left an indelible mark.
11. Jameson Triple Triple
Average Price: Roughly $63.02 (Cheers Online)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Lively, citrus zest, ripe orchard fruits, honeyed sweetness, subtle vanilla, and a hint of spice.
Palate: Balanced, creamy caramel, chocolate, toasted oak, gentle spices, and a touch of butterscotch.
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Bottled at 80 proof, this whiskey is triple distilled and triple cask matured, a process that infuses it with a genuinely remarkable complexity.
As you drink it, you’ll notice the presence of dark fruits that add depth to its flavor profile. Hints of cinnamon and clove delicately danced in balance with the sweet Malaga wine cask influence.
12. Jameson Whiskey Makers Series – Distiller’s Safe
Average Price: Roughly $74.99 (ABC)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Nose: Crisp, clean, floral notes, fresh pear, light vanilla, delicate honey, and a hint of citrus zest.
Palate: Smooth, elegant, green apples, honeyed malt, subtle spices, and a touch of almond.
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: As I experienced The Distiller’s Safe, I was introduced to the sweet-tasting notes of Irish grain whiskey and the robust character of Irish pot still whiskey.
“In the world of whiskey, each bottle is a testament to time, craftsmanship, and the beauty of patience.” – Liquor Laboratory
It all began with the sweetness of barley sugar, a gentle invitation to the palate. As I savored each sip, a vibrant note of mandarin orange emerged, accompanied by the nuttiness of ground almond.
Note: The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product was evaluated on quality, age, flavor profiles, special editions, and market popularity.
FAQs
What is the oldest version of Jameson whiskey?
The oldest version of Jameson whiskey is the Jameson 21-Year bottle, known for its complex flavors and smoothness, created through meticulous aging and blending processes.
Which Irish whiskey is the smoothest?
Jameson whiskeys are often considered the smoothest Irish whiskey.
Every bottle of Jameson whiskeys undergo triple distillation, contributing to its signature smooth and approachable character.
Which one is better, Jameson or Jack Daniels?
Jameson Irish whiskey is better than Jack Daniel’s. Jameson whiskeys are known for their smoothness and lighter flavor profile.
Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee whiskey with a slightly more potent and robust flavor due to its charcoal filtering process [3].
What’s the most expensive Jameson whiskey?
Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve is the most expensive Jameson Irish whiskey. The drink costs around €1,750.00 or $1871.20 per bottle.
What is the difference between the Jameson IPA edition and the normal?
The key difference between Jameson IPA Edition and normal Jameson whiskeys lies in the finishing process.
Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition is finished in barrels that previously held IPA (Indian Pale Ale) beer. It imparts unique hoppy and floral notes to the whiskey.
In contrast, the normal Jameson whiskeys do not undergo this additional beer barrel finishing, resulting in a more traditional Irish whiskey flavor with a smoother and milder taste.
What is the difference between Jameson Select Reserve and regular?
Jameson Select Reserve differs from regular due to its unique maturation in charred barrels, resulting in a richer, spicier flavor profile with notes of butterscotch and toffee.
It’s considered a more complex and intense whiskey, often considered a premium or limited-edition option.
What’s the difference between Jameson and Jameson Black?
Jameson and Jameson Black Barrel differ in their maturation and flavor profiles. Jameson is a traditional Irish whiskey aged in ex-sherry and bourbon barrels.
Jameson Black Barrel undergoes a unique process with heavily charred barrels, making it a bolder and more intense whiskey compared to the standard Irish whiskey.
Are there different types of Jameson?
Yes, Jameson offers a variety of whiskey expressions, each with its unique flavor profile and characteristics.
Some include Jameson Black Barrel, Jameson Caskmates, Jameson 18 Year, and Jameson Crested.
Is Jameson good with Coke?
Yes, Jameson whiskey is often enjoyed with Coca-Cola, commonly known as a “Jameson and Coke” or “Jameson and Cola” cocktail drink.
Jameson’s smooth and slightly sweet character complements the caramel notes of cola, creating a popular and refreshing drink for those who enjoy whiskey mixed with a soft drink.
How does Jameson Caskmates differ from other Jameson varieties?
Jameson Caskmates is unique because it undergoes an additional maturation process in barrels that previously held craft beer, imparting distinct flavors of stout or IPA to the whiskey. This innovative aging technique creates a flavorful and unexpected twist on traditional Irish whiskey.
What sets Jameson Black Barrel apart from other premium whiskeys?
Jameson Black Barrel stands out for its double-charred barrels, which intensify the flavors of the whiskey and give it a rich, robust character. This extra step in the aging process contributes to a more complex and indulgent drinking experience, making it a favorite among whiskey connoisseurs.
Can you elaborate on the craftsmanship behind Jameson Blender’s Dog, Cooper’s Croze, and Distiller’s Safe?
These three expressions of Jameson whiskey are part of the Whiskey Makers Series, each highlighting a different aspect of the whiskey-making process. Blender’s Dog celebrates the art of blending, Cooper’s Croze showcases barrel craftsmanship, and Distiller’s Safe honors the skill of distillation. Each offers a unique perspective on the craft of whiskey making, making them sought-after by enthusiasts seeking deeper insights into the whiskey production process.
What makes Jameson Crested different from the classic Jameson Original?
Jameson Crested is a bolder and richer expression of Jameson whiskey, featuring a higher proportion of pot still whiskey and a longer aging period in seasoned oak casks. This results in a more complex flavor profile with notes of spice, fruit, and oak, making it a favorite among those looking for a more intense whiskey experience.
How does Jameson’s commitment to sustainability set it apart in the whiskey industry?
Jameson is known for its dedication to sustainability initiatives, including water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction efforts at its distilleries. Additionally, Jameson supports local communities and farmers through initiatives like the Jameson Farm Initiative, which promotes sustainable agriculture practices. This commitment to environmental and social responsibility sets Jameson apart as a leader in the whiskey industry.
Final Verdict
The world of Jameson whiskey that began with John Jameson offers a delightful journey through various expressions, each with unique character and charm.
The Jameson Distillery Pop-Up Tour is a must-experience, where you enjoy tasting the whiskeys and gain valuable insights into the craft and tradition behind this renowned brand [4].
Among the impressive Jameson whiskeys, Jameson 18 Year stands out as the best Jameson whiskey.
With its exceptional smoothness, complexity, aromatic oils, spicy toffee, and a long, lingering finish, Jameson 18 Year is a testament to the artistry of whiskey-making and a worthy highlight of any whiskey enthusiast’s journey.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Irish-whiskey
- https://www.lovetoknow.com/food-drink/cocktails/jameson-orange-cocktails
- https://www.tennessean.com/restricted/
- https://www.mashed.com/986181/jameson-whiskey-just-brought-a-pop-up-distillery-to-new-york/
