When I first heard about the Jameson Cask Mates Stout Finish I got excited. Not because I’m a huge stout fan, I’m not – though I do enjoy one from time to time, but because it was an innovative step from a major brand in a category that hasn’t really seen much innovation. On the whole Irish Whiskey is known for light, fruity, 80 proof, chill-filtered, high grain blends which ends up causing a lot of releases to taste very similar. Also, until fairly recently, there were only 3 working Irish distilleries so all Irish whiskey came from them and didn’t exactly help create a wide range of flavors either.
Over the last 9 years the number of Irish distilleries has nearly quadrupled and there are now 11 distilleries spread around the Emerald Isle; 7 of which have all been built in just the last 4 years. This is exciting because it will bring innovation and variety to the category and I honestly think that’s why we’re seeing established brands starting to innovate and experiment. If It was still just Cooley, Bushmills and Midleton (Jameson) on the island I don’t think the Jameson Cask Mates Stout Finish would have ever materialized, and that would have been a sad sad thing because it’ss quite tasty.
Jameson Cask Mates Stout Finish Info
Region: Cork, Ireland
Distiller: Jameson (Midleton)
Mashbill: Blend of Irish Single Pot Still (Malted & Unmalted Barley) + Grain Whiskey
Cask: ex-Bourbon & ex-Stout
Age: NAS
ABV: 43%
Price: $37
Jameson Cask Mates Stout Finish Review
EYE
Caramel
NOSE
Aromas of coffee, malt, cocoa, candied citrus, toffee and a rye like spice accompanied by light notes of honey, dried fruit, oatmeal-like grain and brown sugar. All-in-all a nice nose indeed.
PALATE
Notes of hazelnut, cinnamon, citrus, roasted malt, cocoa, spice, honey waltz on through followed by lighter notes of fruit, brown sugar and coffee with cream. Amazing what cask finishes can bring out; I’m floored this is an 80 proof chill-filtered whiskey.
FINISH
A lasting dissolve of malt, cocoa, citrus, coffee and a bit of earthiness.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Good balance, medium body and a slick, also most oily, feel.
OVERALL
Jameson Cask Mates Stout Finish has blown me away. I can’t believe how much the addition of the stout casks have enhanced and enriched the typical Jameson Irish Whiskey. I know it’s a common theme from me this month to talk about non-chill filtering and higher proof, but I can’t help thinking this would go from a good whiskey to an excellent whiskey if it was at least 92 proof and non-chill filtered – I truly think it would soar.
Well-trod quibble aside, this is indeed a good whiskey. It’s fun to drink and carries a compliment of unique and interesting flavors layered on top of the typical Jameson fare. It’s a dark breath of fresh air in a category that’s seen relatively little innovation and I can’t wait for the next release in this series!
SCORE: 86/100
