The Whiskey Wire
(other spirits may appear!)
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press release
JAMESON IRISH WHISKEY UNVEILS NEW JAMESON TRIPLE TRIPLE MARSALA CASK EDITION
Triple distilled and triple cask matured, the world’s most awarded whiskey* introduces a Sicilian twist to the Jameson family, exclusive to Global Travel Retail
Jameson, the world’s most awarded* and bestselling Irish whiskey, is delighted to introduce its latest travel retail exclusive to the family, Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask Edition.
Offering a fresh take on the classic Jameson style, this limited release features hand-selected Marsala casks from Trapani, Sicily for the first time in a Jameson expression, resulting in a whiskey so smooth that it must be a Jameson.
Building on the success of the Jameson Triple Triple range – including Málaga Cask Edition and the more recent Chestnut Cask Edition – this new, limited-release is matured in a combination of Bourbon barrels, Oloroso Sherry casks, and now Marsala casks, delivering a rich depth of flavour and an extra drop of smoothness, perfect for whiskey-curious travellers.
Crafted from American white oak, known for its contribution of sweet vanilla and clove spice notes, these Marsala casks are hand-selected from the renowned Florio Winery in Sicily. They are then seasoned with Marsala wine for two to three years, absorbing rich flavours of apricot, toffee apple, walnut and woodland spices. These freshly emptied casks are then transported to Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland, where they meet Jameson's triple-distilled whiskey, adding a layer of exciting complexity to the final result.
Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman comments: “This limited release of Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask Edition is a wonderful example of how we continue to innovate while staying true to our tradition of triple distillation and meticulous cask selection at Midleton Distillery. This expression provides a unique opportunity to showcase the rich flavour contribution from these exceptional casks within the Jameson family, and we are excited for everyone to try it.”
This latest addition to the Jameson family highlights the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship while offering travellers a unique connection to Sicily. Bringing a fresh perspective to Jameson’s triple cask maturation process with its rich history and distinct character, Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask Edition will be available for a limited time, making it the perfect excuse to book that new adventure.
Bottled at 40% ABV, Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask Edition is available exclusively in global travel retail, with an RRP of $45.50 / €39.50 / £37.
Explore online here: Midleton Distillery Collection
Tasting notes:
Nose: Fresh and vibrant fruit led aromas including dried apricot, banana, and kiwi while woodland spices and hints of walnut add further depth and flavour, complementing the sweet vanilla and caramelised brown sugar.
Taste: Rich and full with notes of toffee apple, vanilla, and chocolate dipped walnuts, accompanied by notes of exotic fruits with a subtle hint of ginger spice. The oak’s soft tannins work in balance with the fruits and spices, creating a wonderfully balanced whiskey.
Finish: Lasting finish in which the fruits and oak are the first to fade, allowing the gentle spices linger until the very end.
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Redbreast 12 Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV
Sip into the heritage of Irish whiskey
Redbreast 12, a delightful and much praised Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, has complex spicy and fruity aromas with toasted wood notes evident. On the palate, it is fully flavoured and complex, silky smooth with a harmonious balance of spicy, fruity, sherry and toasted notes. And those flavours linger long in the aftertaste. Its time spent maturing in Spanish oak Oloroso sherry butts has enhanced its colour, aromatics and flavours.
A terrific sipping whiskey, it’s a popular choice for whiskey enthusiasts and is considered one of the best examples of the Irish pot still tradition, and, as you’d expect, it is widely available. My glass in The Canopy (Castlemartyr Resort) cost €12.50. Midleton Distillery sells it for €70.00 per 700 ml bottle, and it is also available online.
By the way, did you know that the tour of Midleton Dfistillery (where Redbreast is produced) has been much revamped in recent years. So if you’d like to taste Redbreast and other famous whiskeys at source, you can get all the info you need here.
Very Highly Recommended.
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Killowen Rum & Raisin Single Malt Irish Whiskey 55% ABV
“A stellar release from Killowen Distillery” (Celtic Whiskey)
Sourced Bradleys Hip Flask Club. Generally available £56 (€67.45).
Using inputs from sunny Jerez in Spain and the equally sunny islands of the Caribean, the little Killowen distillery worked their acknowledged mastery (with their renowned worm tub condensers doing its business, as always) in a less than sunny island to produce this Rum and Raisin, a minor masterpiece of Irish Whiskey.
The casks included were Bourbon for ageing, the finish applied in Dark Rum Casks and PX sherry casks. The influential malt, sourced from the neighbouring GND County Louth, engaged superbly with Sherry flavours of dried fruits and raisins and the tropical elements of the rum.
Those dried fruits and the rum notes get to star in a smooth, velvety texture. It is quite complex in terms of aromas and flavours. It can be enjoyed neat - add a few (yes, a few) drops of water, as ABV is 55%. Mixologists seeking to add something different to their creations have cottoned on to it, and you'll find it in a variety of serves.
All this from what has been called Ireland’s smallest distillery, one that you may visit in its scenic location in the Mourne Mountains. Read more here. Brendan Carty of Killowen Distillery will be in Cork next month for the Cork Whiskey Festival. Read more, including tickets, here.
Very Highly Recommended
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Chivas Regal Extra 13 Sherry Cask Selection
40% ABV
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Chivas Regal Extra 13 Sherry Cask Selection is a premium Scotch whisky that is known for its rich and complex flavour profile. Colour, aroma, and flavour have been enhanced by its time in Oloroso sherry casks, and its character has improved with depth and sweetness.
In the mouth, you sense notes of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, the influence of sherry casks giving toffee, butterscotch, and dark chocolate. The finish is smooth and lingering, with a warm sweetness that invites additional sips. There are also notes of the traditional peat but nothing extreme. This is a very balanced whiskey, very drinkable indeed.
Chivas Regal pairs well with various mixers, but it can also be enjoyed neat. For a classic option, consider adding a splash of water or serving it on the rocks to fully appreciate its flavours. Alternatively, you can experiment with ginger ale or soda water. Another delightful way to enjoy Chivas Regal is in a classic cocktail like The Godfather, especially if crafted with Joe’s Amaretto.
While it's excellent neat or on the rocks, it can also be included in cocktails that benefit from its rich flavours. I recently enjoyed it in a Godfather cocktail with Joe’s Amaretto.
Back in the 19th century, John and James Chivas were always pushing the boundaries of what was expected. In their Aberdeen Emporium, they imported different spirits and spices from across the globe, fascinated by a world of flavour. This Chivas Extra 13 Sherry Cask Selection is a rich yet sweet whisky that adds a deeper layer of flavour to the luxurious Chivas house style, continuing the spirit of that 19th-century Emporium. Please note that this Sherry Cask is just one of a portfolio of differently finished Chivas 13.
Highly Recommended
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Mitchell’s Green Spot Leoville Barton Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey 46% ABV
A special edition that sees Green Spot hit greater heights
Widely available at about €75.00 per bottle
(Bought mine flask full via Bradley's Hip Flask club)
A unique limited release that won gold in the Irish Whiskey Masters in 2021, 2022, and 2023! Green Spot Chateau Léoville Barton was initially matured in traditional sherry and bourbon casks and then finished in the Bordeaux winery’s oak casks, adding an exciting new dimension to this Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey already renowned for its excellent quality.
Indeed, that oak influence, while never overly bearing, may be noted in the aromas, flavours and finish of this marvellous whiskey. The basic Green Spot itself is a favourite here, and this edition takes it to a stellar level.
In June 2015, the Château partnered with Irish Distillers Midleton Distillery and Dublin-based Wine and Whiskey Merchants Mitchell and Son to create a Bordeaux wine finished expression of the iconic Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.
Mitchells are part of Irish whiskey history while and the Château Léoville-Barton has made its mark on the Bordeaux wine story. Their 2015 collaboration here has been hugely successful with this edition winning World’s Best Single Pot Still Whiskey (at the World Whiskies Awards). Today, the Château is managed by Anthony and Lilian Barton, descendants of the pioneering ‘Wine Geese’ winemaker Thomas Barton, who established his legacy in 1725.
Very Highly Recommended
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BLACKWATER IRISH WHISKY ‘THE FULL IRISH’ 48.5% alc/vol, 50cl bottle, Limited Edition. €55.00
Head Distiller John Wilcox says: ‘refined, complex and bold.’
“This blend contains every permissible grain (barley, malt, wheat, oat, rye and maize), and it shows in the aromas and in the mouth, a serial (excuse the pin) and beautiful contact with the senses. And this Blackwater blend also looks well, in its shiny foxy robe. With the elevated ABV, a drop or two of water will work its usual magic.
No wonder it has been collecting accolades since its launch in 2024.
Quite possibly one of the finest blended Irish whiskeys I’ve ever been lucky enough to try. …A bold and rather brilliant release from the Blackwater Team.’ Business Post
‘One of the most interesting whiskeys unveiled at Whiskey Live 2024. This release … showcases the 3 styles of Irish whiskey .…’ Irish Whiskey Magazine
Blackwater themselves say: This blend rocks. What’s in the bottle? 45% Blackwater produced single malt, 45% Blackwater produced pot still (both five years old) and 10% seven-year-old grain whiskies, finished in stout casks from local Hopfully Brewing Company.”
As with all Blackwater products, it’s not chill-filtered or coloured. Aged in bourbon barrels before finishing in the Hopfully casks. It is a limited edition.
Very Highly Recommended
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