Name: Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition
Type: Irish Whiskey
Origin: Ireland
ABV: 40%
Price: $25.99 at my local Schnucks
Jameson first came upon my radar when I learned in Las Vegas that they were the ones responsible for the glory that is Red Breast (especially the Cask Strength variety). And last year, their stock rose even more when I was able to try the wonderfully balanced flavors of the Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition. This year, I made mention that Jameson sometime in 2018 began offering an IPA addition of its Caskmates blend. My first reaction to describe an Irish whiskey made from IPA barrels was something along the lines of “WTF?!”. An IPA is not the first, second, third or fourth beer type that I would choose to drink. Still, it was a dubious move by Jameson to pair their whiskey and IPA aged barrels together. I was more than happy to give it a shot to see how the pairing went.
From eyeballing the whiskey in the glass, the color on the IPA Edition seems to be a touch lighter than the Stout Edition. The nose on the Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition is much lighter and floral than that of the Stout Edition. The flavor notes on this whiskey include caramel, hopps and a slight touch of spice. You get more of the hopps taste on a pointed yet short finish on the palette.
This whiskey is for the IPA drinkers out there for sure but also for those who prefer their whiskey on the lighter side. Speyside (Glenlivet and Glenfiddich as examples) and Highland (Glenmorangie and Oban as examples) whiskey drinkers may find this closer to something they drink. Islay drinkers like me are not going to be as satisfied with this as other expressions. To recap the Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition, it is fine for what it is but I would much prefer the Stout Edition at the end of the day.
In terms of cigar pairing, this is going to be the perfect accompaniment libation to a cigar as it doesn’t have enough in strength or body to compete.
Final Score: 8.5/10
Thank you very much for reading and I look forward to the next time I can share my thoughts with you.
