A rebranded version of one Jameson's best kept secrets, the previously confusingly named Crested Ten, which wasn't ten years old and was hard to find outside of Ireland. Having dropped the "Ten", Crested has now been relaunched internationally.
The first Crested release came in 1963, with Jameson beginning to bottle their own whiskey (rather than selling to bonders) and it's known to have a healthy proportion of pot still whiskey as well as a high proportion of Sherry casks used for maturation (bourbon barrels are also used).
A luscious sweet aroma of maple butter leads with plenty of chalky vanilla and caramelized sugars. Complex Irish pot still fruitiness is present too, with bitter citrus, apple skins and marmalade. Ginger and clove add spice and warmth underneath with a touch of roasted nuts.
Through creamy vanilla and a malty element, there are helpings of gentle sherried fruit, coconut and honey-toffee sweetness. Apricot and peach melba emerge with a touch of milk chocolate among spiced nuts, peppery mint and prickles of pot still spices.
In a long finish, there’s warming honeyed sweetness, mild drying oak spice and a hint of sherry-scorched wood.
The ideal introductory dram, it’s outstanding value for money and utterly delicious in a complex, interesting way.
Was: £65.49Now: £46.76
This is my favorite of all the Jameson blends! So smooth. I brought some home form ireland and had a friend bring a bottle to me on a visit. I wish I could find here in the states, there would be no other choice!
Finest Irish Whiskey on the market for the price. No wonder it is sold out!
Smooth
Jameson is my favourite Irish whiskey brand. I have tasted all of ordinary Jameson, Crested and 12-year-old Redbreast and Crested is by far my favourite of them. I particularly like its smoothness when mixed with water and a creaminess and slight sweetness (possibly derived from its ageing in sherry casks?). I found Crested at an excellent price on-line and have ordered a case, just as I would do if buying wine, to have it as my 'house' whiskey.
Like the old darker bottle and label better, but it is the same whiskey and the best Irish for the money (heck, tastes better than Midleton. Still call it C10 and always bring bottles back to the states, along with some very good Donegal poteen in a Fanta bottle.
