Jameson Caskmates is an intriguing release. Having sent some of their casks to the local craft stout brewers at Franciscan Well, the casks were returned to Midleton where they were subsequently used to give a stout finish to Jameson!
We tasted it before it was available in the UK when we visited Cork just before St. Patrick's Day 2015, and we know that some of the fine folk at Irish Distillers were worried that it may be seen as a bit of a gimmick. Perhaps to an extent it is, but more importantly, it works - a worthwhile experiment that's produced a unique and interesting Irish whiskey.
There's still cut grass and some fruit alongside delicious oily pot still character, but things are different here too. Is it sweeter? A different sweetness perhaps, more wood spice plus chocolate liqueur. A shift of emphasis.
Orchard fruits, great mouthfeel but the vanilla cream is less prominent, it's more fragrant (hoppy?) and floral on the palate with a touch of bitterness.
Again familiar, but different, that different complexion of spice with chocolate from the nose lingers briefly.
An interesting twist on an old favourite, and a great gift for Irish whiskey and stout fans alike!
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After seeing all of the glorious reviews, I decided to pass by the LCBO in Ontario and buy a bottle of this Caskmates Stout. It has a great scent from the bottle and into a pour. It has heavy taste on the palette, but nothing that sticks out. I detected molasses and toffee, but nothing more. I am happy that I didn't purchase another bottle. This pour us smooth, but nothing special for the premium cost
Chocolate, coffee and mild hops on the nose. You take a sip and wonder when it’s going to kick and...it doesn’t! I’ve had a lot of good scotch and this is possibly one of the smoothest, creamiest whiskies I have ever tried. Single malt purists might take issue with the relative lack of depth here, but everyone needs a whiskey in their collection that is this supremely drinkable. At this price it might be my next daily tipple for a while. Intriguingly, leaves my mouth and throat with a familiar bitter cocoa taste akin to finishing off a few pints of Guinness. Not that I’m complaining.
Very nice. Yes, more than a hint of the stout on the nose, then chocolate, then vanilla, strawberries and cream, green tea. On the palate smooth, sweet at first, creamy mouthfeel, chocolate, slight bitterness towards the end. Finish medium, sweetness giving way to that hoppy bitterness. As with many whiskies, don't judge this one by the first dram out of the bottle. Give it a while, the next one out will be better!
Best for this price.
An amazing Whiskey. everybody I know who try this absolutely love it a good all rounder
