FIRST SIP: Jameson 18

Jameson is produced at the New Midleton Distillery in Co. Cork. (Photo courtesy of Irish Distillers.)  

There are more varieties of Jameson than you can shake a tasting glass at, but the 18-year blend is a clear standout among them.

Jameson is the longtime king of Irish whiskeys and its castle is the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork. There are more than a dozen different varieties of Jameson currently being produced at Midleton, with the 18-year old blend at the top of the list. Jameson 18 comes in a beautiful wood box with very nice engravings of a rackhouse on the side.

Rich, creamy vanilla

Lingering toffee

Mild spice

Hints of sherry

 A blend of single pot still, grain & malt whiskeys aged in bourbon and sherry casks for at least 18 years, Jameson 18 retails for about $150. 

Jameson 18: 95 POINTS