Jameson Triple Triple

Always fun to actually be able to find a new product when it comes out. I don't actually know how difficult this was to find, because I've become so exhausted with "the hunt" that I started paying my friends and family to do the liquor store walk of shame for me, and it's been every bit worth it. But I digress, and am actually excited to try this new product. From what I understand, Jameson already triple distills and by default uses ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, so all this really introduces are the chestnut casks, which is really not all that different, but then again, this was quite cheap to begin with, and you always get what you pay for. I don't know of any world whiskey that has ever used chestnut barrels, though, so I do expect some flavor difference. Hopefully it's able to come through given the classic low 80 proof, and I sure hope it's not coarse, since I see the word "smooth" no less than 3 times on this bottle and 7 times on the website page (ah, I love the flavor of "smooth"). The color is darker than original Jameson, but not by much, and is still light overall, ironically somewhere between the real versions of sherry and chestnut. Sherry, sour malt, honey, and a little baking spice lead the nose, all of which can be found on the original Jameson. However, there is a new nuttiness that's present, and although this note alone is somewhat weak, the overall body smells more full and spiced, despite the proof remaining the same compared to the original. The flavor begins with honey, sherry, and a touch of green apple, but almost immediately introduces potent wood sugar and caramel notes, as well as a sweet, almost creamy nuttiness. Repeat sips stack this new nutty flavor, but also cause the finish to become more and more hot and a little dry each time. I could have gone a little deeper on the analyzation here, but stopped when I realized how simple this is once you unlock the new chestnut flavor. Although the chestnut does provide it's own new notes, it also helps to "thicken" the base body and becomes much less light and watery as compared to the original base Jameson. Because of this, the end result here tastes like a combination of Jameson original and the Black Barrel product, as well as this new chestnut profile. This is fun and cheap, and a great way to transform Irish whiskey that most people can enjoy, and was a smart move to add to the permenant portfolio for the brand. I have to say, though, I was very disappointed and may even have to ask for a refund based on the fact that I didn't taste a single "smooth" in this whole pour.

For only $3 more than the standard Jameson, you can get the Triple Triple which is worlds better than the standard bottling, mainly because I find a lot of Irish blends have this metallic edge which gets taken off with rocks, but who wants to further water down a dram that's already 80 proof. Beginners, that's who. And that's fine. But again, if you want to point the beginners to an upgrade, look here. It's not terribly different than the standard Jameson, but the flavors are a little more intense. The nose is honey and apple, but it's very distinct kind of apple, more like a honey crisp or pink lady than a gala or a Fuji. It's a very bright refreshing scent, not terribly complex, but this isn't designed to work that way. There a hint of vanilla but it's buried beneath that apple. The palate is very light bodied with a similar but muted flavor profile as the nose. Obviously at 80 proof it's going to be light bodied, you don't get a whole lot of full bodied 80 proof whisky, but as mentioned above, that metallic clang isn't anywhere present. The finish is rather short and not terribly impressive, but again, this was built to be an easy sipper, smooth and rather undemanding, and in setting out to do so, they've accomplished exactly what they planned.

Further aging would take this to a higher level. Can absolutely taste the ex bourbon and sherry cask notes, but guessing it is too young because of the lack of balance. This is the first non Canadian whiskey that finishes like a mid range Canadian whiskey. It skirts the line between meh and make it a double.

Nose shows green apple, straw, oak, subtle raisin, cinnamon, and roasted nuts. Relatively light and rounded mouthfeel. Palate shows more green apple, oak, nuts, cinnamon, and straw, plus vanilla. Finishes medium-long, with some lingering sherry sweetness and spice. 3.50/5.00 – Impressive (neat)

Jameson Triple Distilled opens with aromas that remind me of handmade Christmas fruitcake—rich fruit, warm nuts, and soft toffee. The entry is smooth, leading into a palate of almonds, fruit, and toffee. The finish lingers with gentle spice and honey. It’s best enjoyed neat rather than mixed.

Smooth like most of the Jameson whiskeys. Notes of ripe banana with a pleasant finish