Jameson Crested

This particular Jameson expression is vibrant from the glass, much like the original, with bright, prominent fruit. However, unlike the original, this offers more depth if you linger with it. The aroma mellows but stays robust, with abundant toffee and malt, and then that sweet, distinctive sherry character. If you're familiar with Jameson, you might expect a certain profile, but the initial taste reveals a rich, oily texture that makes me secretly wish a barrel of Redbreast had rolled across the floor. That texture delivers on the nose's promise: more cream and toffee, followed by grain and malt, with some spices towards the end. Not quite baking spices, but not quite black pepper either. The finish is where the price point becomes apparent compared to some higher-end Irish spirits. It has pleasant sherry notes and some warmth, but it's rather subdued and fades quickly. This whiskey seems like the older sibling to the classic, and absolutely deserves a place on the shelf. For a light, affordable, tasty Irish whiskey, choose the classic. For a darker, smoother, more aged version, opt for the Crested at $15 more. It's truly a great whiskey for its cost.

Powerful vanilla sweetness on the nose. It provides no hint of the rich variety of flavors found on the palate. The taste is buttery, bready, and even slightly spicy initially. It then shifts to a delicate, creamy sweetness dominated by cinnamon and vanilla. The finish is exceptionally smooth. There's no burn at all, yet the flavor persists. While I'm unsure if it's the best Jameson available, it definitely deserves consideration.

While intended to represent Jameson in the Sherry category, the influence of a bourbon cask is quite evident. The nose presents honey maple butter and a touch of toffee, with pepper and ginger emerging as a result of the pot-still distillation. The palate offers toasted wood, sweet cake, mild honey, and vanilla. The finish then lingers with sherry characteristics. From my perspective, it lacks good balance. It's excessively sweet, with no complexity beyond the sweetness.

This is possibly the greatest whiskey I've tried yet. It has a pleasant sweetness that isn't overpowering. It's not a bourbon style, but it's still recognizably Irish and quite good. There's absolutely no smoke or peat, which is great for people like me who dislike those elements. It serves as evidence for fans of aged spirits that non-age statement whiskies can be excellent when crafted with attention, and it comes at a very affordable price for the caliber of the spirit!

Sampled from a small souvenir bottle purchased at the producer. Sadly, it's not offered in the US. The flavor profile closely resembles the standard Jameson, but with pronounced sherry sweetness from the casks used for aging. A very approachable spirit that could easily become a regular choice.

Acquired a bottle at the distillery on Bow Street in Dublin. It's a pleasant whiskey! Notable vanilla notes, a nose rich with fruity toffee, and a medium, smooth finish. It's likely my favorite Jameson I've sampled to date.