I love Jameson (aka “Hillbilly milk”). Jameson Gingers (ale or beer) are one of my go-to drinks when out on the town. Possessing a smooth simplicity, ginger pairs beautifully with Jameson, muting the harshness of the whiskey but allowing the flavor to shine through. In fact, I could go for one right now.
Having known about the existence of Jameson Gold Reserve for a while but deterred by its price tag, I was excited to finally get my hands on some upon receipt of a bottle as a Christmas present. Since its release in 1996, Jameson Gold Reserve has been a popular pick among whiskey critics. Up until fairly recently this elusive whiskey could only be found in airports, but is now widely available. Hells yeah.
According to the Jameson website, “Jameson Gold Reserve is a creative blend of three whiskeys of advanced years, one of which is uniquely matured in virgin oak barrels. It's the inspired choice of this virgin oak, coupled with the bourbon barrels and sherry casks, that account for the whiskey's satisfying complexity and honey toasted sweetness.” Check out Jameson’s website for more specs on Jameson Gold Reserve.
So much smoother than its original counterpart, Jameson Gold Reserve is clearly meant for sipping (needless to say, I won’t be mixing with ginger, ale or beer). Don’t let Jameson Gold’s initially strong, alcoholic scent fool you; while Gold retains much of the flavor belonging to its original counterpart, it is much, much smoother. Ideal for sipping, Gold goes beyond the smokey flavor profile of the original, possessing earthy, oak-y notes, as well as sweet undertones of vanilla and caramel. Gold preserves everything you love about the original, sans the burn, with the delightful addition of sweeter notes. Gold also possesses a thicker consistency, like liquid honey in whiskey form.
“Hillbilly milk” drinkers might be hesitant to step up and pay the price for Jameson Gold Reserve (especially when you can buy three bottles of the original for the cost of one bottle of Gold), but it’s worth the splurge. Seriously. This stuff is smooth.
Comments