Saturday, 7 September 2013

Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve 2007


Spirit Name:
Spirit Type:
Jameson Rarest Vintage 2007
Irish, pot still 

Score:
95/100

ABV:
46%
Region:
Ireland 
Body:
Medium-full 
Intensity:
Medium 
Texture:
Medium-oily 
Balance:
Heavenly 
Best served:
Cask:

Neat 
Second fill bourbon casks, Port casks
Theme(s):
Christmas, rich fruit, red berries, cranberry  caster sugar, icing, creaminess, vanilla, caramel 

Summary:
This is the result of unbounded genius, when four whisky masters can handcraft the finest whisky possible from the oldest, rarest and most expensive stocks of the Jameson (Midleton) reserves. The result of the 2007 bottling is spectacular, Christmas in a class. Let me explain. 

Tasting notes:
Nose: The fragrance of Christmas fills the glass, and there is little doubt on first nosing that this is an exceptional whisky. The nose presents with a Christmas theme, as dried cranberries and cherries are layered over a fudge cake with caster sugar and a layer of white icing. The vanillas are strong, with layers of caramel adding sparks of sugary sweetness to the otherwise creamy heart of this special whisky... I hope Santa is checking its list to make sure I've been nice not naughty this year (hint hint, Santa!).  

Taste: Smooth and deliciously complex. The chocolate cake theme develops with the caramel as subtle shades of sweetness act as a counterbalance to the cocoa and gentle oak influence. Soft and creamy, the red berries once again come to the fore but in a sharper and more determined way than on the nose, which was a little more subdued. Rich fruitiness dominated by red berries (cranberries etc) is relaxed by creamy vanilla. When I say "Christmas", I do not mean rich sherry notes, but very subtle shades of sweetness within the creamy layers of bourbon and Port cask influence. 

Finish: The finish tingles on the tongue, buzzing with the sweet fruit and creamy vanilla in a very distinct way. 

Likes:
Depth and smoothness that radiates Christmas in a glass with almost perfect balance 

Price:
Tasted:
$600 (Aus), £300 (UK)
7-Sep-2013

*Not blind tasted 

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