Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition

The aroma begins with a gentle blend of barley and honey enveloped in creamy oak. There's a floral component that's somewhat hoppy, showing some influence from the IPA finish, which also presents a hint of green apple. As mild as the aroma is, it's also inviting. The palate has a soft peppery quality as the smooth oak contacts the sides of your mouth while barley and honey move across the top of your tongue. Touches of green apple sweetness appear and disappear, something unexpected from a whiskey that has been exposed to IPA influences. The finish is somewhat short with a lingering peppery spice that distracts from the creamier notes which fade quite rapidly. As straightforward as this is, it's still quite enjoyable and an interesting take on Irish Whiskey.

50ml mini bottle ($2.95) tasting series. Tasted neat. Pale yellow copper and full coating legs in the glass. Aroma is floral grain, vanilla oak, and a hint of spice. Sweet maple cereal mush, soft and mouth coating. Vanilla and cinnamon sugar cookies or graham crackers. The finish remains soft and sweet, but shows more oak tannins and baking spice. Average long finish, some stone mineral and dry sweet grass tingle. Little ethanol or astringency as I recall in the regular Jameson. Softer and rounder, and in that way more pleasant to sip. Not an over-complicated flavor profile, but a good easy entry level Irish.

This version of the well-known Irish whiskey is finished in a cask previously holding whiskey, then Irish Pale Ale. The barrel's impact on the Jameson's final taste is slight. A little spice and a hint of citrus, perhaps, but not much.

This is drier and spicier than the standard Jameson but still very good. The primary element of Granny Smith apples is still evident, though it's now accompanied by a slight taste of beer barrel on the palate. I prefer the flagship Jameson product over this one, but I would purchase this again if my local shop didn't have the original available.

Nose: Classic Jameson scent, vanilla, citrus (hops are barely detectable), malt. Palate: Smooth, malt, earthy, vanilla, oak, sweet, citrus. Finish: Oak, malt, sweet. Overall: Enjoyable, but it doesn't really taste like an IPA. This rating reflects its intended IPA character. 4/10

Sweet and easy to drink, with vanilla, citrus, and caramel dominating. It's classic Jameson with a subtle citrus hint. It's not amazing, but it's affordable and a decent experience if you enjoy IPAs. I think the stout version is superior because the beer characteristics are more pronounced.