While whisky and beer might be seen as two completely different liquors with minimal similarities, both drinks are very closely related. The two beverages are created from the same ingredients — malted barley, water and yeast. However, in beer, an additional ingredient is added, namely hops, while in whisky, the mash is fermented as is and distilled before it is aged in barrels.
The commonality between the two drinks paved the way for Jameson to partner with an Irish brewery, Franciscan Well, to create two new flankers to the Jameson Original. These are the Jameson Stout and IPA Editions. Here, the mature Jameson Original whisky is further finished for four months in barrels that previously held craft beers.
The result is a whisky that still retains all the characteristics that Jameson is known for — an easy-to-drink whisky with a smooth finish, while adding nuanced notes found in stout and IPA beers.
To celebrate the arrival of the Stout and IPA editions, Jameson brand ambassador Paula Phelan hosted a tasting session comparing the differences between the two new arrivals and the current expressions, namely Jameson Original and Jameson Black Barrel.
The Jameson Stout Edition features an initial aroma of freshly cut hay, which is complemented by a character of crisp orchard fruit such as green apples, pears, and a hint of lime zest; also appearing are hints of mild pot still spices, which include green tea, and milk chocolate. Its taste has a subtle touch of coffee and charred oak from the beer cask and has a long and sweet finish of milk chocolate and butterscotch.
Meanwhile, the Jameson IPA Edition has floral and herbal aroma, with notes of hops, grapefruit, and orchard fruits, complemented by wood shavings and nuttiness. The hops and citrus extend to its taste, which also includes delicate spicy tones, and it has the signature smooth finish of barley.
