alc./vol: 40%
Proof: 80°
Vintage: Non-vintage
Aged: 12 years
Product of: Ireland (Eire)
Jameson 12 year old contains around 75% pot still whiskey and getting on towards a third the blend is aged in sherry casks. As the age statement suggests, the youngest whiskies are 12 years old but Special Reserve contains whiskies up to 17 years old.
The 25% grain whiskey element is made up of first-fill and second-fill American oak ex-bourbon barrels. Most of the pot whiskey used is what Jameson call 'LPN' and this is aged in first-fill bourbon with sherry butts also used and some refill bourbon barrels (with some adjustment on a batch by batch basis). Probably the biggest flavour contributor in Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve is the sherry element. After 12 years aging in sherry butts the LPN pot still whiskey develops a robust, rich, fruit cake, sultana and raisin character with some earthy walnut and almond nuttiness which compliments the pot still spiciness. Billy Leighton, Jameson's Master Blender says he also picks up some marzipan.
This blend was first produced in the mid-eighties and formerly known as '1780' referencing the date the original Jameson distillery in Dublin's Bow Street was established, this blend was rebranded 'Special Reserve' in 2008.
Sampled on 30/12/2010
Clear, rose gold.
Charred paper, struck match, rum and raison, sump oil and linseed oil.
Salted butter, spicy palate with toffee apple, burnt pop corn kernel, rich sherry, macadamia nut and raison flavours.
Herbal, woody, spicy wine notes continue through the long finish.
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