Jameson Special Reserve

Country : Ireland
Distillery : Old Jameson Distillery
Type : Blended
ABV : 40%
Age : 12 years

Colour : Dark gold

Nose : Very mellow notes of leather and sherry across the top of woody vanilla.

Taste: The first hit is of vanilla with a malty background. This is quickly followed by hints of sherry and spiced fruit. Very clean finish.

This is a whiskey that I could quite happily drink every day for the rest of my life. In complete contrast to the Lagavulin 16yo that I last reviewed, the Jameson 12yo is all about mellow woods and subtle spice. A very nice whiskey indeed. Although easily drunk neat I find that this drop really does benefit from a few cubes of ice to break down and release some more of the dried fruit components.

Food Match : The best match for the Jameson Special Reserve would easily be more Jameson Special Reserve. Just incase you do feel like eating something with it though I would suggest keeping to lighter dishes of chicken or seafood so as not to overpower the whiskey. For something special I would also recommend some neat Jameson Special Reserve with a generous slice of vanilla cheesecake.

Johnnie Walker Gold (The Centenary Blend)

Country: Scotland
Region : Multiple
Distillery: Multiple

Type : Blended
ABV : 40%
Age : 18 years

I'm lucky enough to work in a liquor store and get plenty of chances to try great products at even better prices. Just the other day my rep for Lion Nathan had a few tasty drops for me to try. Of those that we sampled the "Johnnie Gold" was by far leader for whiskey of the day. Thanks Magoo!

I didn't have a chance to take proper tasting notes for the session but it is definitely one that I will revisit when I add one to my collection.

Until then I'll leave you with this little write up.

Few whiskies offer as indulgent an experience as Johnnie Walker Gold Label. Exceptionally smooth, creamy and delicate, Gold Label is the ultimate whisky pleasure. A skillful fusion of rare aged whiskies inspired by the notes originally kept by Sir Alexander Walker and crafted from only a small number of Scotland's most renouned distilleries, each matured for a minimum of 18 years.