Irish whiskey has been on a tear lately and leading the charge has been Jameson which is now the number one selling Irish whiskey in the world with my beloved Bushmills coming in second. The standard Jameson Irish Whiskey is single-dramedly responsible for a large chunk of the current boom as a new generation of drinkers are discovering the joys of Irish whiskey.
Like many Irish whiskeys, Jameson is triple distilled, compared to the typical 2x distilled of Scotland and America, which removes more “impurities” and gives it more of a light clean flavor. Think of how vodka brands hype their 6, 7, 8, etc, distillations to achieve an even cleaner and lighter spirit. Jameson is also a blended Irish which means the 3x distilled malt whiskey is blended with grain whiskey which lightens the flavor and texture even more.
Overall Jameson Irish Whiskey is a tasty whiskey and I enjoy it for what it is. It’s not my first choice neat, but on the rocks it’s nice and as a mixer it’s excellent. It’s decent stuff and I’m happy to see so many people “discovering” Irish whiskey because of it.
If you’ve had Jameson Irish Whiskey add your own notes or thoughts in the comments below.
Jameson Irish Whiskey Review
ABV: 40%
Price: $24
Distiller: John Jameson & Son / Irish Distillers Limited @ Midleton
EYE
Pale gold
NOSE
A wafting of grain alcohol is the first thing that meets the nostrils followed by honey, pear and an ambiguous over ripe orchard fruit. A bit of malt and citrus are wandering around in there with a strange dusty quality running throughout.
TASTE
A light and clean tasting beverage that starts out with malt, vanilla and under ripe citrus. Included in this flavor package are some grassy notes, cocoa and an ambiguous fruit that borders on banana with the alcohol making a strong statement, especially in the back end, with just a touch of caramel sliding around.
FEEL
Light, smooth and easy to drink.
FINISH
Malt and alcohol with a touch of oak and earth. It has a very short finish which I don’t really mind in this case.
SCORE: 79/100
Smooth and mellow
My favorite Irish whiskey is Powers, but I find it hard to get at my local stores. Not always available. My back-up to Powers is Jameson, and it’s a great choice for anybody looking to get into Irish whiskey at minimal expense. I enjoy all of my whiskeys neat, and Jameson doesn’t disappoint in this regard. It’s smooth and mellow. Not a big fan of their different varieties; I prefer the original (although, as a coffee lover, I do like their “Cold Brew”). For the price, you can’t go wrong here.
Was a crown royal fan for years. Switched to Jameson, Tried bushmill, tasted like charcoal. Basic Jameson is great. The add on versions — not so much.
You like what you like and I love that you shared that with us. Cheers Roy!
Bushmills tastes like charcoal?
How the heck does Bushmills taste like charcoal? I think you must’ve been drinking Jack Daniels, which Does taste of it, for a reason :p
This passage from the site’s review sums up Jameson Original more or less perfectly: “on the rocks it’s nice and as a mixer it’s excellent.” I would add that the price is also a major selling point, as you’d be hard pressed to find a better tasting whiskey at that price point.
Jameson’s other offerings, such as Cooper’s Croze or, my personal favorite, Black Barrel, are certainly a step up from Original and are similarly advantaged in terms of price (and the latter is particularly fantastic on the rocks). But for $20-$30 per bottle, Jameson Original’s hard to beat
Cheers Monte!
As a scotch beginner , I will pick up a bottle today since it is on sale 1,14 litters for $42 CND. Thanks for info.
A good Jamieson Irish Ouiske baugh is as good as it gets.
Well-made whiskey that characterizes smoothness .
I’ve been trying a few whiskeys for about 18 months now so, I’m a newbie.
I’ve mainly drunk scotch but as it was on a special price, I tried a small bottle of Jamisons.
I’m really impressed with Jamisons, finding it so easy to drink and pleasent on the pallett.
I tend to have a drop every evening and this impressive Irish whiskey could well become my regular favourite.
So much smoother than any scotch I’ve drunk thus far.
Cheers Chris. Jameson is a great place to start, such good stuff.
As a scotch beginner , I will pick up a bottle today since it is on sale 1,14litters for $42 CND. Thanks for info.
What should I say to my obnoxious friends when the tease because I like jameson? Give me smart ass answers
Just say “shut up. It’s good and I like it.” That’s what I do when someone makes fun of something I like :)
I know that a lot of people have both good and bad opinions about all whisk(e)ys, everybody has their druthers. Personally I like Jameson for what it is, it tastes good and it doesnt go down hard. Drinking whiskey is all about what you like to taste and smell, not what anybody else thinks you should.
100% agree. Cheers!
Agreed and Agreed. The mix is light and the grain comes through. The nose and flavor both tend a bit towards vodka. All in all it’s the Bud Light of distillates but at least it’s better than Johnny Red. I know any piece of that may start a fight but hey my Scotch Irish roots say c’mon. Gimme a malt any time and I’ll even quaff corn likker if it’s tasty.
A very well written and reasonabe assertion
Bushmills is NOT Irish Whiskey!
Bushmills is distilled in Northern Ireland which is not Ireland, it is a province of Great Britain.
I’m sure the nationals who’ve endured endless years of Imperial rule and oppression feel just as Irish as those in the free state. Wanky elitism like that is just offensive.
Ignorance. Ireland is one island, Great Britain is another. Bushmills is Ireland’s oldest distillery and is very much Irish whiskey
yeh screw the quarreling our community needs cohesion at this late date.
Politics and borders change, and aren’t too relevant to whisky. Its on the island, it counts.
Can’t argue with you on the price. It’s a damn good dram for the dollar. I like Jameson alright, but to tell the truth I’m more of a Bushmills man myself. Cheers!
Hey, just tried a glass of Jameson Black, and Jameson regular, they are both good if a bit harsh on the stomach. I have to say that the price is good in USD$ and the taste is ok. Happy St. Patty’s Day!