Welcome Back – Jameson Single Pot Still
We were delighted to attend the launch of the latest permanent addition to the brand family that undoubtedly has spearheaded the resurgence of Irish whiskey worldwide and has now become one of the world’s most recognisable brands. The event took place in one of Dublin’s finest Georgian homes in 25 Fitzwilliam Place and was attended by members of the press and whiskey enthusiasts.
Carol Quinn, Archivist at Irish Distillers set the scene with an insight into the colourful history of Jameson. Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman and Blender Deirdre O’Carroll then detailed the process of developing this latest release. The complexity and work that has gone into this release is mind bending. Five different casks are used in the process; 1st and some 2nd fill Bourbon casks, 1st fill Oloroso Sherry butts, virgin European oak casks, virgin Irish oak casks, and virgin Bourbon American casks. Each was filled with Midleton’s signature medium pot still and after at least four years of maturation were carefully blended together.
Carol Quinn, Archivist at Irish Distillers
This first batch of 3,000 9-litre cases is bottled at a very welcome 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and priced at a very approachable €60.
In 1968 Jameson became a blend but with this release it’s fantastic that the many Jameson whiskey lovers will get the opportunity to be introduced to Ireland’s signature Pot Still Irish whiskey.
Press Release
Jameson, the world’s bestselling, and most awarded Irish Whiskey, is delighted to introduce its latest expression, Jameson Single Pot Still, as a new addition to the Jameson family. Celebrating the traditional style of Irish whiskey after which it is named, Jameson Single Pot Still is a throwback to an era when Irish whiskey reigned supreme.
Skilfully created under the watchful eye of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman, Jameson Single Pot Still is crafted from a mashbill of malted and unmalted barley before being triple distilled for a rich, unmistakable taste experience. The new Jameson Single Pot Still is then matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, while also introducing the subtle flavour contribution of three different types of Virgin oak casks: American, European, and Irish. The finished result is a complex, spicy, and smooth symphony of flavours and aromas. The ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks bring elements of sweetness in the form of dried fruits, notes of vanilla and fudge, that Jameson fans the world over will know and love. The addition of the three virgin oak cask types provides a hint of toasted oak and elevated woodland spices. This subtle addition allows the Jameson Single Pot Still to express its traditional spiciness while elevating the overall taste and flavour in this modern classic.
Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Irish Distillers, says:
“We are delighted with the release of Jameson Single Pot Still. It has been an honour and a joy to work on rebuilding a traditional Jameson expression with an innovative twist and bringing a new member into the Jameson family.
“While crafting this whiskey, the team at Midleton Distillery worked hard to find the exact balance and flavour profile for our finished product. We wanted to showcase the quintessential notes of the single pot still style by blending the familiar ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks before bringing a new dimension with the introduction of the virgin oak casks.”
Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Irish Distillers
Deirdre O’Carroll, Blender, adds:
“Through some trial and error along the way, working with different prototypes and flavour combinations, we found the right balance for our Jameson Single Pot Still. We have created a whiskey that is robust and spicy by single pot still’s nature, but also intriguingly complex and bearing the trademark Jameson smoothness. We couldn’t be more proud of the results.”
Deirdre O’Carroll, Blender at Irish Distillers
Throughout the 19th century, the Jameson Bow Street Distillery was famed worldwide for its single pot still whiskey – from Europe to Africa and South America. However, tastes changed, and so did Jameson’s approach. The decision was made in the late 20th century to switch to a blended whiskey to make it more accessible and attractive to new audiences. Today, inspired by Jameson’s rich history, the team made the exciting decision to masterfully recreate the signature single pot still style so that everyone can enjoy a piece of Jameson history.
Bottled at 46% ABV, Jameson Single Pot Still whiskey is priced at RRP €60 per 700ml bottle and is available in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Dublin Airport, the UK, Brand Homes and Jameson online.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose
Opens with wood-driven spices of cinnamon and nutmeg intertwined with rich toasted oak, sweet honeycomb, and salted caramel. Zesty fruit notes linger in the background along with dairy fudge, butterscotch, and vanilla while the pot still spices continue to build over time, complementing the earthy woodland notes and ripe fruits.
Palate
Rich dark chocolate, spicy toffee, and ground cinnamon with hints of freshly grated ginger and touches of orange peel. The combination of fresh and seasoned oak adds intricate and layered sweet and smoked-wood tones with delicate tannins, working in balance with the pot still’s silky texture.
Finish
The delicate fruits slowly fade, leaving the spices and oak to linger until the very end.
Irish Whiskey Magazine is the worlds only publication dedicated to sharing authentic insights into the exciting world of Irish whiskey. Why not subscribe to our Digital Subscription and get access to our whole digital back catalogue or sign up for our Print Subscription and get 4 issues shipped directly to your door.
