Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition (2017)
Jameson is one of the world’s most renowned Irish whiskey brands, and the Caskmates series has become an exciting playground for experimentation. The concept: classic Jameson undergoes additional maturation in barrels that previously held craft beer – in this case, an India Pale Ale (IPA). The goal is to add fresh, hoppy notes to the smooth Irish whiskey. But how does that translate into flavor? Let’s find out.
The panel
Mean 71.5 · spread 1
Value for money 4/5
- Distillery
- Midleton
- Type
- Blended Whisky
- Country
- Ireland
- Strength
- 40% ABV
- Character
- mellow
Tasting
Nose
Right from the first sniff, the Caskmates IPA Edition feels refreshing and vibrant. A noticeable citrus aroma emerges, accompanied by green apples and a subtle, underlying hint of hops. Despite these additional accents, the familiar Jameson DNA remains intact – mild, light, and inviting.
Palate
On the palate, the whiskey delivers an unexpected spiciness. Alongside Jameson’s characteristic smoothness, delicate garden herbs appear, blending with a subtle hop presence to create an intriguing nuance. A touch of bitter oak adds depth without compromising the whiskey’s inherent Irish lightness. It’s an interesting twist on the classic, though not a radical reinvention.
Finish
The finish is rather short but pleasantly warming. Hints of ginger bring a gentle heat before ripe apple and citrus notes take over. A light touch of oak lingers in the background.
Verdicts
Marcel
Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition surprises with its lively freshness and hoppy accents, giving the classic a fun twist. It’s not a dramatic transformation, but just right for relaxed evenings when you simply want to enjoy without any fuss.
Sascha
The IPA Edition from Jameson presents itself as a well-balanced variation with clear structure and subtle spice, respecting the mild base character. The integration of hop and citrus notes is successful yet restrained, providing a delicate complexity without overwhelming the palate.
What it is worth
We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Midleton as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.
Latest mean bid £342 across 192 lots · 2024-08