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Jameson is rightfully recognized as the number 1 Irish whiskey in the world: in 2016, sales amounted to more than 5 million bottles. The work of the company surprisingly harmoniously combines traditions preserved for more than 220 years and the impeccability of modern technologies. Relying on vintage blending recipes, Jameson hones control over the entire production chain, from grain harvesting to bottle capping. Behind the highest quality Jameson is the work of experienced craftsmen: distiller, blender, whiskey maturation specialist.
Technology features. A distinctive feature of Irish whiskey is triple distillation (in Scotland they use double distillation on Charente alambicas or distillation on column-type apparatuses). The final product loses some of the subtle grainy aromas and richness of taste, but gains lightness.
It is believed that triple distillation makes alcohol softer and “feminine” in character. The sales practice of the Jameson brand confirms that the Irish style is preferred by those who like the tenderness of taste and the subtlety of the bouquet in whiskey.
The History of Jameson Whiskey
The history of the brand dates back to 1780, when John Jameson opened his distillery on Bow Street in Dublin. After the marriage of his second son, also John, Jameson made him a partner in the family business and testified to this in the name – John Jameson & Son. The time for the production of whiskey was the most successful – the Irish alcohol market was booming. The competent organization of the enterprise brought success: by 1824 the distillery became the second largest whiskey producer in the country.
The company was practically independent of third-party suppliers: everything needed was produced at its own sawmill, forge, cooperage and carpentry workshops. The era of constant expansion of production and sales lasted until the end of the XNUMXth century, after which, due to quite objective reasons, a period of decline began. The fight against blended whiskey and distillation columns, the Easter Rising and the Civil War, the announcement of Prohibition in the United States, the outbreak of World War II – a series of misfortunes caused seemingly irreparable damage to the Irish whiskey industry.
Irish Distillers was formed in 1966 by the merger of John Jameson & Son, John Power & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to stem the decline in sales, the new company decided to consolidate production at a purpose-built facility alongside the existing plant in Middleton, County Cork.
In June 1988, Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard. Today, Jameson is the most popular brand of Irish whiskey in the world.
Awards
The brand’s products have been awarded numerous prizes and medals. Jim Murray, one of the world’s most respected whiskey gurus, has named Jameson the 2017 winner of the Best Irish Blended Whiskey Award.
- 2013 – Gold medal (Jameson Gold Reserve) at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition;
- 2013 and 2014 – Gold medal (Jameson Gold Reserve) at The Irish Whiskey Masters;
- 2014 – Gold medal (Jameson Black Barrel) at the World Whiskeys Awards;
- 2014 – Gold medal (Jameson Gold Reserve) at the International Wine & Spirit Competition;
- 2014 – Gold Outstanding (Jameson Rarest Vintage Irish Whiskey) на International Wine & Spirit Competition;
- 2015 – Gold medal (Jameson Irish Whiskey 18 YO) at the International Wine & Spirit Competition;
- 2015 – Gold medal (Jameson Black Barrel) at the International Whiskey Competition;
- 2015 – 9 silver medals at the International Wine & Spirit Competition;
- 2016 – 4 gold medals at the Irish Whiskey of the Year.
Interesting Facts
The Irish sources avoid mentioning the fact that John Jameson was a Scot.
- If you carefully examine any bottle of Jameson, you can see the image of the family coat of arms with the motto: “Sine Metu”, which translates as “Without Fear”. The coat of arms was granted to the family for the fearlessness shown in sea battles with pirates off the coast of Scotland.
- Jameson whiskey was not available in the bottle until 1968: for almost two centuries, the stubborn Irish sold their irish whiskey only in barrels.
90% of manufactured products are exported.
- In 2015, the company opened a new mini-distillery in Middleton – specifically for the production of whiskey according to recipes found in the personal notebook of John Jameson II and dated 1826.
- For Patrick’s Day, Jameson annually releases a limited edition whiskey. Well-known illustrators are invited to work on the festive design of the bottle. In 2017, it was Steve McCarthy. The main theme is given by the history of the origin of the brand: the label is always decorated with images of Dublin. The party, produced in a limited edition, immediately becomes a collector’s rarity.
- Dublin authorities have invested €11 million in the reconstruction of the old distillery on Bow Street. Every year, 600 tourists visit this place, attracted by the opportunity to take part in a tasting tour and a master class in cocktails based on Irish whiskey.
- The British artist Raymond Campbell was famous for his paintings of bottles of rare vintage wines. Now he has found a new source of inspiration: Jameson Whiskey & Co provided the painter with material for still lifes. From now on, connoisseurs of Irish whiskey can decorate the house with canvases that accurately convey the amber-golden color of Jameson Gold.
Types of whiskey Jameson
Jameson, 40%
Traditional blended whiskey, the quintessential Irish blend. It has an amber color and a delicate aroma. The taste is pleasant and incredibly soft, with tones of caramel, vanilla, with subtle nutty and sherry hints. Jim Murray awarded this whiskey an incredible 95 points!
Jameson Caskmates, 40%
An interesting and, as shown by sales, a successful experiment of the company. An unusual taste with bready notes to this whiskey is given by the beer barrels in which it matures. The product is the result of a partnership with the Franciscan Well brewery. Craft beer production technologies have been applied to the principles of whiskey production. The result pleased everyone, including fans of whiskey with a non-trivial taste. The drink is distinguished by the fresh aroma of green apples, lime, and a flowering garden. The taste is based on sweet shades of marzipan, fruits, milk chocolate.
Jameson 12 YO, 40%
Premium whisky. The smell is composed of shades of aromatic oils, cream, toffee toffee. The taste is full-bodied and deep, with soft tones of oak and sherry. These sweet-spicy and woody notes were obtained during 12 years of aging in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. Packed in an elegant tube. Awarded a silver medal at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Jameson 18 YO, 40%
The blend master of the brand, Billy Leighton, worked on the recipe for this whiskey. The blend contains 3 sorts of alcohol, which have been aged in sherry casks for at least 18 years, and then were poured into bourbon casks and sent to mature for another six months. The aroma contains distinct sherry tones, light woody shades, spices, hazelnuts. The taste continues this range, motives of creamy caramel, vanilla and chocolate are added. Produced in a limited edition. Awarded the Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013.
Jameson Gold Reserve, 40%
One of the brand’s most popular and titled drinks, rightly called the “Gold Reserve”. The blend contains Pure Pot Still whiskey, a pure pot still whiskey, and rare single-grain whiskeys well aged in new oak barrels. The bouquet is characterized by a harmonious combination of sherry and woody tones. Vanilla, licorice, exotic fruits are felt on the palate. Winner of gold medals at all reputable exhibitions: San Francisco World Spirits Competition, The Irish Whiskey Masters, International Wine & Spirit Competition. Awarded 94 points in Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible.
Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve, 46%
The brand’s top product, the fruit of the collaboration of four leading blenders. They selected the rarest spirits aged 20-24 years, stored in stained barrels. Authentic technology was used for the production, which absorbed all the best during the existence of the distillery. Whiskey has a dense aroma with sherry and spicy tones, a hint of canned peaches. The exceptionally mild taste provokes you to keep a sip of whiskey in your mouth longer. Each bottle has an individual number, and the drink itself is a long series of international titles and medals. In 2009 and 2014 it was recognized as “Whiskey of the Year” in the category of Irish blends.
Jameson Black Barrel, 40%
The name of the drink is due to the double-fired bourbon barrels in which it is aged. The selection of barrels is carried out very carefully, because they give the final drink a unique aroma, saturate with the sweetness of vanilla and caramel. Exposure is carried out in the company’s warehouse in complete darkness and under the supervision of a whiskey maturation master. A rich bouquet abounds with shades of exotic fruits – nectarines, guava, papaya. The palate is full-bodied, buttery, with intense notes of dates, walnuts and cinnamon. At the World Whiskeys Awards 2014, the whiskey won the Best Irish Blend nomination and was awarded the gold medal.
