Ah, Jameson 12 year. You are subtle, tasty and always easy to find. You’re made from distillate that has been aged in bourbon barrels and sherry casks before being blended with grain whiskey to lighten things up a bit. You’re a solid go-to that is a little over-priced in my mind (Power’s 12 is only $30), but nonetheless, you remain a stalwart bottle that is best enjoyed amongst a group of friends hanging out and playing board games for an afternoon (or whatever you do for fun).
There is something so delightful about Irish Whiskey to me. I honestly can’t tell you what it is, but I’m consistently drawn to it. Sure I’ll spend weeks at a time deep in bourbon country or on the Isles of Scotland, but I always find myself back in Ireland. No matter what the reason, it always feels a bit like coming home to me when I pour a dram of something Irish. Comforting is the best way I can describe it.
Overall I like the Jameson 12 year Special Reserve. I don’t love it and it has its flaws, but it’s something that I could settle in with over a long weekend. Something that is easy to slowly sip neat and enjoy the mingling of sweet dessert notes with malt and that classic Irish spice. It’s definitely not my go-to, but it’s something tasty and mellow that compliments a relaxing afternoon at home.
What do you think of the Jameson 12 year Special Reserve?
Jameson 12 Year Review
ABV: 40%
Price: $50
Distiller: John Jameson & Son / Irish Distillers Limited @ Midleton
EYE
Amber
NOSE
Warm caramel, malt and citrus float out of the glass and up the nose. Following close behind are notes of butterscotch, grains, spice and vanilla frosting with a kick of grain alcohol rolling about.
TASTE
Caramel and malt pair off with some dark fruit and hard candy which stirs up some toffee, citrus, ‘Nilla Wafers and a bit of grain alcohol. Sherry-like sweetness permeates the entire palate and gives it an almost cloying nature and if it weren’t for the malt and spice notes this would topple over under the weight of the repeating sweetness.
FEEL
Smooth and supple this is the texture Irish Whiskey is famous for and is winning them new fans left and right.
FINISH
A long finish of malt, cinnamon, caramel and wood slowly fades to grain alcohol.
SCORE: 84/100
In my opinion. The Jameson 12 year reserve 1780 is the best of all. Too bad that Jameson stopped making it. There are only a few hundred bottles left in retail stores across the US so the price just keeps going up. I have seen anywhere from $155-349 for a 750ml bottle.
Sad indeed. Cheers Tim!
do you have any recommendations for a similar tasting whiskey since this is no longer made?
I’d recommend the Jameson Black Barrel!
I found 3 bottles of 12 year old Jameson but they are 200ml bottles I didnt know they done these. Anyone any idea how much they are worth per bottle?
Whatever you paid for them :) They’re not collector’s items.
What Jameson’s whiskey has replaced the 12 year Jameson’s?
That’s a good question. I’m not sure yet.