A Guide to Jameson Whiskey: From the Classic to the 18 y.o.
Jameson is the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world, shifting more than 10 million cases a year. The core expression is smooth and approachable, Black Barrel adds depth from charred casks, and the 18 y.o. ranks among Ireland's crown jewels.
Who was John Jameson?
John Jameson, a Scot by birth, founded his distillery on Bow Street in Dublin in 1780. His motto "Sine Metu" (without fear) still appears on every bottle today. Jameson is now made at the modern Midleton distillery in County Cork and is a blend, a marriage of pot still and grain whiskey, triple distilled.
Jameson Original: why is it so popular?
The standard Jameson matures for at least 4 years in ex-bourbon and sherry casks. On the palate you will find:
- vanilla and caramel from the ex-bourbon casks
- light fruity notes from the sherry
- the trademark smoothness of triple distillation
It is the perfect gateway into the world of Irish whiskey: neat, over ice or in a cocktail.
What sets Jameson Black Barrel apart?
Black Barrel matures in ex-bourbon casks that are given a second charring ("double charred"). The heavier charring of the wood lends the whiskey more intense notes of toasted nuts, spiced vanilla and caramel. It also contains a higher proportion of pot still whiskey. If you find the Original a touch too gentle, Black Barrel is the logical next step.
Is Jameson 18 y.o. worth it?
Jameson 18 Year Old matures for at least 18 years in selected ex-bourbon and sherry casks before finishing in first-fill casks. The result is notes of dried fruit, dark chocolate and wood with a long, velvety finish. This is a whiskey for slow sipping, not for mixing with cola. At Little Island in Frydek-Mistek we stock the full trio, Original, Black Barrel and the 18 y.o., so you can stage your own vertical tasting.
How should you drink Jameson?
The Original is happy over ice or in an Irish Coffee, Black Barrel is best neat with a drop of water, and the eighteen-year-old should be drunk strictly neat and without haste.
Come and work your way through the Jameson range with us at Little Island, tr. T. G. Masaryka 1129 in Frydek-Mistek. The full selection of over 50 whiskeys is at /napojovy-listek.