Jameson Cooper’s Croze (43%, OB, 2016)

• Category: Blended Pot Still and Grain Irish Whiskey
• Origin: Midleton Distillery
• Bottling: Irish Distillers, Jameson
• ABV: 43%
• Cost: £49.73

What they say:

Jameson Cooper’s Croze

The Whiskey Makers Series.

The secret behind our whiskey lies in the passion and dedication of our masterful craftsmen, our Head Distiller, Head Cooper and Head Blender. The Whiskey Makers Series celebrates them and their craft.

The Cooper’s Croze is a whiskey created by our Head Cooper, Ger Buckley, showcasing the diversity of barrels at our Midleton distillery and the profound influence that wood yields. With knowledge passed down through 5 generations of his family, Ger selects, repairs, and maintains our treasured casks. The Cooper’s Croze is a carefully crafted whiskey that effortlessly carries vanilla sweetness, rich fruit flavours, floral and spice notes and the undeniable influence of oak. You can take whiskey out of wood but you can never take the wood out of whiskey.

“As a fifth generation cooper I’ve created the Coopers Croze to celebrate my love for wood and its enormous versatility. My whiskey reflects the spectrum of flavours contributed by the variety of cask types, from sweet vanilla to rich fruits and toasted wood. “ – Ger Buckley, Head Cooper.

Nose

A subtle flower petal-perfume develops into rich ripe fruits, while some charred oak and cedar wood bring balance and complexity – a seamless infusion of American and Spanish oak character.

Taste

The initial impression is from the sweet vanilla of the American ex-bourbon barrels. This brings added depth to the rich fruits typical of the ex-oloroso sherry butts. A pleasant touch of hazelnut and toasted wood complement the pot still spices.

Finish

Pleasantly long, with vanilla sweetness slowly fading to barley grains with a touch of oak char.

Introducing The Cooper’s Croze

Learn about the Cooper’s Croze, a whiskey created and named in honour of Head Cooper Ger Buckley. It’s Ger’s knowledge, craft and passion for wood that defines this increasingly rare profession.

What I say:

Jameson Cooper’s Croze is one of 3 whiskies that make up Jameson The Whiskey Makers Series, celebrating the craftsmen who are influential in making Jameson Irish Whiskey. Cooper’s Croze explores the influence of Head Cooper Ger Buckley and the craft of cask construction and how the wood of the cask influence the final whiskey. Produced by Irish Distillers at the Midleton Distillery, thanks to Irish Distillers & Richmond Towers for the official sample.

Colour:

Full amber gold with copper highlights (11/20), medium-sized tears leave tapered fine legs

Nose:

Buttery, caramel sauce, some cereal grains, toffee, freshly polished oak wood, a little floral with hints of vanilla, woody oak, orchard fruits; peach, apricot, apple and some more developed aromas like baked apple pie

Taste:

Vanilla, cream and custard, floral, orchard fruits; peach, apricot, a slightly spicy edge with dried cedarwood, cigar boxes, toffee and caramel, leather, raisin, nutty walnut and cinnamon

Finish:

Medium, vanilla, cereal and oak wood persist

Overall:

A whisky of two halves this one, starts with American oak influence and switches to a sherry character, quite fun to drink – this evolving palate displays all the qualities of the two major cask types almost in isolation.

Score: 84/100

Watch our Facebook Live video of Ger’s cooperage display and explanation of the croze here

Don’t take my word for it:

Read TOModera’s Whisky Review of Jameson Cooper’s Croze

Bloggers submit a link to your review