Jameson Caskmates Kelso Pale Ale Edition

This is a special release normally unavailable in my region. This small-batch Caskmates Edition is exclusive to New York State and is a joint venture between Jameson and Kelso Brewing Co., a microbrewery in Brooklyn, NY. This sample was kindly provided by a new trading associate and friend from Long Island. It's a standard 40% ABV and presents a typical golden-yellow hue. After a good swirl, it generates numerous long, slender legs in the Glencairn. A nice oily sheen remains around the glass, persisting until the first sip. The nose is very subdued - little to no oak, sweetness, or burn. Hmm, I added a drop of water hoping to detect any IPA beer notes. Still, not much is apparent... The first sip offers the typical Irish whiskey experience - exceptionally smooth with a hint of vanilla and a quick warmth from the alcohol content. There's a very faint citrus note that vanishes too quickly. I wish I could say I detected some hops or bitterness, but it's simply not present. This is somewhat of a disappointment. The finish is brief and unobtrusive, much like every other Jameson I've tried. I suspect the beer was not aged in these former Jameson barrels long enough to impart significant flavor, if any, and that makes sense for an IPA. Those beers are meant to be enjoyed fresh, so aging them in a whiskey barrel would diminish the beer and not allow sufficient time for it to influence the barrels before being refilled with whiskey. Part of me believes the brewery should have sacrificed several hundred gallons of beer and aged it in the barrels for an extended period to 'season' them, but I understand that's not good business practice. Oh well... Overall, this is primarily a marketing effort for Jameson and craft beer enthusiasts in and around NYC. I'm glad I had the opportunity to taste it, but it's not substantially different from any other standard Jameson. Cheers.

The start of an Irish weekend begins with a pour of this locally sourced, Caskmates version. Around 2014, Jameson collaborated with the Brooklyn microbrewery KelSo Beer Company, finishing their standard whiskey in barrels that previously held the brewery's IPA. Exclusively available in New York for a short period, I managed to acquire a bottle or two before they disappeared. This followed the Stout Caskmates and may have been superseded by the newer IPA Caskmates. The appearance is a golden copper hue. It carries the typical Jameson profile of hay, cereal, and vanilla. This nose is a bit brighter, featuring honey, apples, dill, and rye. There's a touch of grapefruit citrus and floral, earthy hops, just enough to be noticeable. The aroma is of sweet spice, light, and inviting. The palate possesses a smooth, silky, and light-bodied texture, imparting a malty-honeyed sweetness. Light citrus notes are present, with hints of mild coffee and cocoa. A subtle oak spice emerges toward the finish, accompanied by a slightly building hop presence. What remains is a mild hoppiness with a caramel sweetness and a hint of cinnamon spice, lasting for a moderately short duration. For those who enjoy Jameson, this represents an improvement. Its gently spicy sweetness makes it more suitable for sipping than for shooting or mixing. Quite enjoyable. Just as the Stout Edition adds pleasant chocolate notes and smoothness to the Standard, the KelSo IPA contributes a nice citrus and floral character from nose to finish. It's regrettable that this is no longer produced, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to taste it. [$37][86/100][Tasted: 3/15/19].

Review transferred from Barreled from March 2017 Taking a brief break from the SDT to sample this Jameson blended Irish whiskey. This is the standard Jameson, but it's finished in barrels that previously held an American pale ale from the Kelso brewery in New York. Bottled at the minimum 40% ABV, it's very likely chill-filtered with added colorant. The color is almost identical to the original Jameson, a golden amber. The aroma initially presents as typical Jameson. Cereal malt, lemon zest, and light butterscotch. The pale ale influence quickly becomes apparent. Bright citrusy hops with notes of grapefruit and pine. It's vibrant and floral and crisp. Just behind those hoppy notes, there's rye bread with a hint of mint. I don't believe rye is among the grains used in Jameson, so it might be my perception. Strong grapefruit hops dominate the taste upfront. Crisp is the most fitting descriptor. Not as intense as an actual pale ale, but present. Light butterscotch and mildly spicy. Not a lot of depth, just more hops. A very light mouthfeel, thin and watery. The finish is of medium duration. Fairly dry with grapefruit hop notes throughout. This is definitely a one-dimensional offering. It's superior to the original Jameson, but that's not a high bar. I do appreciate the combination of styles, and they work well together. I could imagine Glenmorangie pairing well with a pale ale finish. I'm pleased to have had the chance to try this as it's a regional release and only available in the New York area, so thanks to a friend for the sample. 3.25, worth sampling but not purchasing.

Tasted before adding anything. Similar to the other caskmates.