Jameson Distiller’s Safe (43%, OB, 2016)

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

What they say:

Jameson Distiller’s Safe

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 Distiller’s Safe is a whiskey that celebrates the craft of our Head Distiller, Brian Nation, and his mastery of the Irish Pot Still. The spirit safe is an instrument allowing him to sample what’s going on inside the still, a confirmation of quality at every turn.

Delivering a smooth mouthfeel and gentle notes of apricot, cinnamon and melon, The Distiller’s Safe pays respect to the character of the distillate. Long before barrels make their mark, a pot still has the first say.

“As a distiller, I wanted to capture the beauty and character of the distillates. I created a whiskey with the smooth mouth feel of pot still whiskeys, combined with the soft buttery sweetness and gentle fruit notes of grain whiskey.” – Brian Nation, Head Distiller.

Nose

From floral perfume, through fresh herbs, to lively spices, this special selection of distillates shows how the subtle delicate sweet notes of Irish grain whiskey can complement the more robust character of the Irish pot still whiskey. Barley Sugar sweetness combines with the succulence of grapefruit and green pepper, with a touch of marzipan adding to the depth.

Taste

Starts off with barley sugar sweetness, progressing to hints of cinnamon and even a touch of liquorice. A vibrant note of mandarin orange appears alongside the nuttiness of ground almond.

Finish

Stays light and zesty, with barley making a late appearance.

Introducing The Distiller’s Safe

Distillers are the purists of whiskey making, and our Head Distiller, Brian Nation, fits that description to a tee. Learn more about The Distiller’s Safe, named after the instrument that allows Brian to fine tune a whiskey’s style.

What I say:

Jameson Distiller’s Safe is one of 3 whiskies that make up Jameson The Whiskey Makers Series, celebrating the craftsmen who are influential in making Jameson Irish Whiskey. Distiller’s Safe explores the influence of Master Distiller Brian Nation and the craft of whisky distillation. Produced by Irish Distillers at the Midleton Distillery, thanks to Irish Distillers & Richmond Towers for the official sample.

Colour:

Light gold (3/20), quick medium-fine tears leave fine legs

Nose:

Sweet, perfumed and floral; rose and blossom, citrus grapefruit, buttery and softened brown sugar, lemon and orange barley sugar sweeties, nutty almond and marzipan paste.

Taste:

Sweet and medium-bodied, this expression leads with lemon drizzle icing, orange and lemons, with hints of candied peel, almond paste and marzipan, cereals such as barley, more zest and pith from both orange and lemon or tangerine (or mandarin as the official notes state), slightly drying initially then mouth-watering. St Clements Cake.

Finish:

Long, light and zesty, lemon and lime drizzle icing and pith, slightly drying

Overall:

A wonderful expression full of spirit character where the influence of the distillation really leads in the flavour profile. I was concerned at one point it was a little grain whiskey heavy but my fears were allayed as this evolves on the palate. This is liquid St. Clements cake in a glass!

Score: 83/100

Watch our tasting masterclass with Brian here.

Don’t take my word for it:

Bloggers submit a link to your review