Jameson Irish Whiskey

I will never forget my fathers contagious bellowing laughter. The entire house would rumble when he would hear a raunchy off-color joke or witness some poor sap getting hit in the groin on TV. He wasn't some kind of crazy sadist, he just had a sense of humor that was simple. A characteristic that truly defined him as a person. Not simple as in ignorant, simple as in uncomplicated. He knew what he liked, where its was, and how to get it. While this may have barred him form exploring certain foreign delights, it firmly solidified the familiar things he found most enjoyable. As my life progressed from adolescence to adulthood  it became abundantly clear to me that three of these things were not just his own simple, everyday pleasures. They were inheritable genetic traits that were bestowed upon me. An unconscious unwavering adoration of all things Red Sox, an insatiable desire for cop/firefighter dramas, and an unending thirst for Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Originally know in Gaelic as Uisce beatha (isk-ihh bah-hah) or "water of life", Irish Whiskey is one of the oldest forms of a classic spirit. Brought allegedly by St. Patrick himself, distillation showed up in Ireland in approximately the 5th century. With no grapes to convert to wine, the early missionaries had to use grains to concoct their wine for ceremonies. Initially harsh and barely drinkable, people had to wait until the 18th century to find out that aging the raw distilled grain spirit in wood barrels would create something much more enjoyable. Irish Whiskey was the most popular spirit in the world through18th and 19th centuries. Unfortunately, the "luck of the Irish" wouldn't last. In the 20th century Ireland experienced three massive events that would nearly kill the ancient art of Irish whiskey. The Irish War of Independence, American Prohibition, and WWII.

The economic damage caused by the Irish war of Independence was a nearly irreparable blow to the Irish Whiskey industry. The war not only injured its infrastructure it alienated its largest export market, England. Adding injury to injury, Irish Whiskey's second largest market, the U.S., passed The 18th Amendment during the last year of the War. With nearly all its exports choked off, Irish Whiskey was in serious trouble. The last and final blow was WWII. Exhausting every last resource during a massive world wide upheaval, Irish Whiskey was nearly dead. 160 distilleries strong at the end of the 19th century, Ireland would start the 21st century with just three. Old Bushmills, Cooley, and New Midleton.

All three make outstanding whiskeys, some of the worlds best, but only one makes Jameson. New Midleton. Now to be clear, I am fully aware how popular Jameson is and how heavily marketed it is across the globe. I'm not one to drink what my TV tells me. I just know that when I open my cupboard and that green bottle is smiling down on me I get feeling of pure glee. It's the bottle I knew as "dad's secret stash." It's not expensive, it's not hard to find, and most importantly it's not complicated.

My wife says that the strange attachment I have to the Jimmy is that it's my "ancients" trying to communicate with me. I'm pretty sure shes right. Every time I smell that pot still blend I can feel the grass, and see the rolling hills. The yellowish copper pour is always a delight. A sweet barley with honey tickle the nose while the pot still character makes its self present. The combination closely resembles a toasty fresh Ego waffle with syrup.The grassy freshness that is un-malted barley sits comfortably back stage. The cereal malt sweetness hits the tongue first followed by a buttery caramel wash. A light oak with a quick mineral flash (thanks again to the still) mid palette. The careful dance of woods between the oak, sherry, and port casks really play a role in this blend. The character and depth is unheard of in such a light bodied, smooth, easy drinking whiskey. Very mild warmth for a whiskey. The long finish of sweet malt and wood hangs around nicely. Ill give it one Sean out of a Stan. My dads old stand-by still brings the fun.

slainte