Tasting Notes – Spirits Edition: Jameson Caskmates

Posted on by mashingin

jamesonpromoA confirmed truth: very few things hit the spot quite like a dram of whiskey after a big holiday meal.  With that in mind, this special edition of Tasting Notes features the craft beer-themed offering from Jameson Irish Whiskey (Dublin, Ireland) simply named Jameson Caskmates.

It is pretty safe to assume that the two beverages that see the most time on bar tops at Irish pubs are fine Irish Whiskeys and really good Irish Dry Stouts.  This being the case, it is kind of odd that there has yet to be a truly thoughtful attempt at bringing these two together.  Well . . . until now.  This all changed when the Master Distiller at Jameson Irish Whiskey and the Master Brewer at Franciscan Well Brewery (Cork, Ireland) sat down together and hatched a plan:

  • Step 1 – Jameson would send the brewery several used whiskey barrels.  The brewers at Franciscan Well would then fill these barrels with their Irish Stout.  Once the beer properly aged and picked up the complex notes of the Irish Whiskey tucked snugly away within the wood, the barrels would then be returned to the distillery.
  • Step 2 – Upon receiving the return shipment of the now Irish Stout-infused barrels, Jameson distillers would fill the casks once again with their classic Original Irish Whiskey.

Since they had never done anything like this before, all the distillers could really do at that point was wait and see what would be the result of this collaborative experiment.  When the aging process was finally completed, they found the whiskey’s “triple-distilled smoothness . . . very much intact” but it had also taken on Stout-influenced notes of “cocoa, coffee and butterscotch.”  The proper introduction of Irish Whiskey and Irish Stout had finally been achieved, and now we all get to enjoy these results in bottles of Jameson Caskmates – Stout Edition.  If you would like a taste of this unique offering, you can find this Stout-infused Whiskey available in 750ml bottles at fine liquor stores and bars across the United States.

Now that we have the story behind Jameson Caskmates covered, it is time to break out the whiskey glasses, sip, relax, and take down a few Tasting Notes.

Tasting Notes for Jameson Caskmates – Stout Edition from Jameson Irish Whiskey

Appearance:  With a pour of two fingers, this whiskey rests in the glass light golden in color with soft hues of brown burnishing the edges.  Although pristine in clarity, the still liquid displays mesmerizing, oily rings when presented with the right angle of light.  With a gentle swirl of the glass, the whiskey leaves lengthy, slick legs behind.

Aroma:  The presence of alcohol soaked grain and hay begin the experience.  Once given a little time to breathe, the aromatics open up and soften to reveal notes of citrus, pear and apple.  The stout-like characteristics are reserved, but they do grab your attention late by lending qualities of cocoa and coffee.  The aroma rounds off with some honey sweetness.

Taste:  Caramelized, bordering on burnt, brown sugar and earthy barley rush the palate to start.  These two notes take on toffee and butterscotch qualities that nicely complement the building stout flavors of roasted malt, coffee and bittersweet dark chocolate.  Slightly nutty, this offering finishes with notes of woodsy, charred oak and creamy vanilla.

Mouthfeel:  Slick in texture, the coating ability of this whiskey quickly grabs the attention of your taste buds.  Sweet on the palate, but far from being overly cloying.  At 80 Proof, any heat here is slow and comforting.  The finish is long, allowing notes of oak, vanilla and cocoa the opportunity to linger.

Final Thoughts:  Jameson Caskmates absolutely comes together as an offering that builds on the experience of Jameson Original.  That being said, craft beer fans need to realize that this is still an Irish Whiskey experience.  It must be noted that we are dealing with a 40% ABV Irish Whiskey here, so boozy notes of fine grain and charred oak do show some aggression at first sip.  When this happens, just slow down, sip gently and really take in the flavors resting on your palate.  If done correctly, you can reach that transcendental moment that reveals the Irish Stout-like notes of coffee, roasted malt, toffee and cocoa.  With a bit of patience, this whiskey will open up and a rush of familiar flavors will surface to absolutely blow your mind.  I had a blast exploring this offering, and I highly suggest that you sit down with a glass of Jameson Caskmates to experience it for yourself.  Prost!

Tasting Notes – Spirits Edition: Maple Bacon Moonshine from Sugarlands Distilling Co.

Posted on by mashingin

moonshinecap1000Tasting Notes is going to close the week out by venturing into the world of craft spirits by sipping on some Maple Bacon Moonshine from Sugarlands Distilling Co. (Gatlinburg, Tennessee).

Just as the craft beer community has been experiencing amazing growth and popularity over the last several years, so has the world of fine liquor and craft spirits.  It can be said that both of these industries share common characteristics that have acted as the catalyst for their mutual growth: hand-crafted, locally produced, use of fine ingredients, an adventurous and playful approach to their products, quality of product over quantity of production, etc.  Beyond that, these two often collaborate or draw inspiration from one another whether it be by experimenting with similar flavor profiles or by aging craft beer in the used liquor barrels of the other (or vice versa in some cases).  Because of this parallel, Tasting Notes will occasionally branch out to take a look at a spirits offering that shares something in common with craft beer.  Since the use of maple and bacon has been a recent, popular combo in craft beer as of late, we are going to launch the first Spirits Edition of Tasting Notes by trying out Maple Bacon Moonshine from Sugarlands Distilling Co.  

Before we break the seal on this Mason jar, let’s cover some background info on this distillery and offering.  Sugarlands Distilling Co. of Gatlinburg, Tennessee first began distillation of craft quality moonshine and whiskey in 2014, and their dedication to producing “innovative drinks with a raconteur and thrilling vibe” has been key to their success.  Fans can experience their offerings at the downtown distillery while also enjoying live music, Appalachian storytelling, moonshine tastings, distillery tours and “outdoor adventures in the Sugarlands—an area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, also known as ‘moonshiners’ paradise’.”  Since opening, Sugarlands Distilling Co. has earned 28 awards, been recognized by several publications and media outlets, and has been named “America’s top-rated distillery experience and the number one ‘thing to do’ in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, according to TripAdvisor.com.” Spirits from Sugarlands Distilling Co. are now available in stores in 21 states nationwide and online at www.BuySugarlands.com.

Maple Bacon Moonshine is one of many Moonshines produced by Sugarlands and is a release within the distillery’s Outlandish Series, the “Seriously Not-So-Serious Moonshine Series”.  Just as the name suggests, this breakfast-inspired, 70 Proof Moonshine “combines the tastes of smoked bacon and candied maple syrup” in an offering that can be enjoyed on its own or as a part of a full-flavored cocktail.  Now that we have those particulars covered, let’s track down a rocks glass and get to some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Maple Bacon Moonshine from Sugarlands Distilling Co.

Appearance: In the jar, Maple Bacon Moonshine presents as a deep, rich, red-hued mahogany in color.  Once poured in the glass, the colors soften a bit to produce lighter browns that still flaunt some reddish tones.  The body is clear, but there are some dark, ashen floaties bouncing around in there.  This Shine absolutely has some legs to it, and it leaves a sugary trail on the glass as well.

Aroma:  As soon as the cap is removed, the room is filled with rich, smoky bacon goodness.  I mean . . . this is instantly conjuring up memories of waking up as a kid to a house filled with the smell of breakfast cooking in the kitchen.  Once you pull yourself out of this bacon-induced spell, maple syrup and a sweet grain presence that is pancake-like comes forward.  The final layer to this decadent fragrance is a touch of dark caramel lingering in the background.  The only thing I can say to all of this is “Yes please!”

Flavor: The maple hits first in the flavor department and we are talking about a beautifully represented note of sweet, syrupy perfection.  The bacon and smoke then slides across the palate to counter the sweetness with a balancing savoriness.  Rich, nearly burnt caramel and a light presence of dark fruit rounds everything off.  It may be sweet, but I am happily surprised at how that sweetness has been cut, smoothed and leveled out.  Breakfast in a glass is the only way to describe what we have here.

Mouthfeel:  Not surprising at all, this Maple Bacon Moonshine has a syrupy texture to it that thoroughly coats and saturates the taste buds in the delightful flavor experience mentioned above.  Although the offering is sweet, balance is nearly achieved with its savory, smoky qualities.  The alcohol heat is wonderfully tempered and well hidden.  Smoke lingers after each sip.

Final Thoughts: With just a quick glance at the label, name and description of Maple Bacon Moonshine, one may be a bit worried that this is an offering that would ultimately be too sweet to enjoy on its own.   I am here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth.  I enjoyed this both straight and on-the-rocks, and the balance in this Moonshine must be noted, praised and celebrated.  The bacon is not acting as just the ridiculously awesome ingredient that bacon is, but its savory and smoky characteristics are put to work in this Shine as a means of balancing that maple syrup note.  This is not a gimmick. No, this is craftsmanship and it is delicious.  I suggest you give this one a try and enjoy it on its own, as a foundation for inventive craft cocktails, or as a flavorful addition to your after-dinner coffee.  Any way you want to try it, make it happen.  You certainly won’t regret it.  Prost!

baconshine