Jameson Irish Whiskey is a blended Irish whiskey produced, distilled, and matured in Ireland. It is made from a blend of grain whiskey and single pot still whiskey, which uses a mixture of malted and unmalted or “green” Irish barley.
The whiskey is triple distilled and aged in oak casks for a minimum of 4 years, giving it a signature smoothness and flavor. Jameson offers a range of variants, including Original, Crested, Black Barrel, and others.
It is not a Scotch or bourbon, and it is suitable for sipping. The brand also offers merchandise and distillery tours. The official website provides information about the product, cocktail recipes, and the brand’s story.
10 Facts about Jameson Whiskey every Whiskey lover Knows
- Founding and Heritage: Jameson Irish Whiskey was founded by John Jameson in 1780 in Dublin, Ireland. The brand has a rich heritage that dates back over two centuries, and it has become one of the world’s best-selling Irish whiskeys.
- Triple Distillation: A key aspect of Jameson’s production process is triple distillation, which results in a very fine spirit to fill the casks with, according to Barry Crockett, a former Master Distiller at the Old Midleton Distillery.
- Caskmates Program: Jameson’s Caskmates program, launched in America, involves aging the whiskey in casks that were previously used to age beer from partnering breweries. This process imparts unique flavors and aromas from the beer to the whiskey during aging.
- Bottle Design: The iconic green Jameson Whiskey bottle was first introduced in 1968 and has since been refreshed to highlight the brand’s provenance and production method.
- Water Source: Jameson is particular about its water source, as water is added at the beginning of the distillation process to create the mash. The brand uses water from the Dungourney river, which flows through its distillery in Cork, Ireland.
- Evolution of Cocktails: Jameson has evolved in its approach to consumers, targeting entry-level whiskey drinkers through campaigns such as the Jameson, Ginger, and Lime, which widened its market segment and reached new customers.
- Maturation and Aging: The amount of time Jameson whiskey spends in the cask differs for every batch, but at the very least, it is distilled for three years to live up to the requirement of being a true Irish whiskey.
- Global Expansion and Growth: Despite historical setbacks, such as prohibition in the United States, Jameson has experienced global expansion and growth through trading and exporting, becoming a well-known and respected brand worldwide.
- Control Over Production: Jameson runs a single distillery, which means it has full control over the production process, from grain to glass. This allows the brand to maintain quality and consistency in its whiskeys.
- Barrel Selection: The barrels used for aging Jameson are a mixture of mainly bourbon casks and a little sherry wood. The brand’s operations manager is in charge of sourcing seasoned bourbon casks from Wild Turkey, among other sources.
History of Jameson Whiskey
Jameson Irish Whiskey has a rich history that dates back to 1780 when it was founded in Dublin, Ireland by John Jameson.
John Jameson, originally from Scotland, established the brand and its distinctive production process, which involves blending rich pot still whiskey made from both malted and unmalted barley with the finest grain whiskey, and triple distilling the spirit for smoothness.
The whiskey was initially only available by the cask, and it was not until 1963 that Jameson began bottling its own whiskey. The brand has since become one of the top whiskeys in the world, known for its quality and craftsmanship.
Today, Jameson offers a range of variants and continues to be a leading name in Irish whiskey.
It is the world’s third-largest single-distillery whiskey, known for its quality and craftsmanship.
Changes in the Recipe of Jameson whiskey over time
There have been some changes in the production and recipe of Jameson Irish Whiskey over time.
One notable change is the introduction of the Caskmates program, which involves aging Jameson whiskey in casks that were previously used to age beer from partnering breweries.
The brand’s bottle and label design have also undergone evolution, with the iconic green Jameson Whiskey bottle being first introduced in 1968 and subsequently refreshed to highlight the brand’s provenance and production method.
The whiskey’s production has seen changes, such as the shift from being made in Bow Street to the Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery, where all Jameson whiskey has been produced since the 1970s.
However, the brand’s distinctive production process, which involves blending pot still and grain whiskeys and triple distilling the spirit, has remained consistent.
Cheers!!
Also read, Why Mexican Beer are the Best: A Comprehensive Exploration