Irish Distillers, the parent company to Jameson Irish Whiskey have announced that a new cask finished Jameson Crested will launch this month.
This new expression is finished in Devil’s Ladder Belgian Tripel Barrels from Irish Distillers’ sister brewery, Eight Degrees. This is the second cask finished Jameson Crested to be released in association with the Eight Degrees Brewery, which was purchased by Irish Distillers’ parent company, Pernod Ricard, in 2018.
Making the most of their close relationship, in 2020 Eight Degrees finished their Belgian Tripel craft beer in Jameson sherry casks. The beer itself is named Devil’s Ladder after the best-known hiking route up Ireland’s tallest peak, the beer truly takes taste to new heights.
With the beer maturation now complete, Jameson finished their Crested blend in these beer-soaked barrels. After four months of finishing, the result is a new cask finished Jameson Crested, which according to Irish Distillers has “abundant spices, floral hops and sweetness, while the oak and malt work in tandem to add a toasted cereal character.“
Irish Distillers’ Blender Dave McCabe is quoted saying, “It’s no secret that the flavours found in beer and whiskey complement each other. We are delighted that in recent years our relationship and indeed proximity to Eight Degrees Brewing here in Cork has created a canvas for collaboration and experimentation in this space, both as part of the Jameson Caskmates Series and beyond.”
“The Belgian Tripel beer finish brings a balanced contribution to Jameson Crested, accentuating elements such as sweetness in the form of vanilla and brown sugar, as well as a roasted malt character and elevated clove notes,” adds McCabe.
Daniel O’Shea, Head Brewer at Eight Degrees Brewing adds: “It was in the spirit of innovation that we decided to rest Devil’s Ladder in Jameson sherry casks, adding sweetness and Christmas cake notes to our Belgian Tripel. We are thrilled that the story has now come full circle, with our beer imparting a delicate hoppy character to this iconic Irish whiskey.”
A limited-edition release of fewer than 6,000 bottles, Jameson Crested Finished in Devil’s Ladder Belgian Tripel Barrels will launch in O’Brien’s Wines from 23rd April, specialist retailers off licenses from 26th April, and select markets through Jameson’s online shop at jamesonwhiskey.com from 28th April priced at €50 (70cl).
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