Jameson, known for its exceptional whiskey, utilizes a combination of sherry and bourbon oak barrels in its maturation process. This careful selection of barrels contributes to the unique and delightful characteristics found in their whiskey.
When it comes to whiskey maturation, the choice of barrels is crucial as it imparts distinct flavors and aromas to the spirit. Jameson has opted to mature its whiskey exclusively in Bourbon barrels, which are made from charred American white oak. These barrels have previously held bourbon whiskey, and their charred interiors provide a rich and robust flavor profile to the aged spirit.
In addition to Bourbon barrels, Jameson also employs the use of sherry oak barrels in their maturation process. Sherry barrels, commonly made from European oak, have previously stored sherry wine. These barrels impart a fruity, floral, and fragrant character to the whiskey, adding complexity and depth to its flavor profile.
The process begins with the distillation of both pot still and grain spirit, each with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 63.4%. This high ABV ensures a strong and vibrant base for the whiskey. The distillate is then carefully transferred into both sherry and bourbon oak barrels and stored in Jameson's warehouses.
These warehouses are an essential part of the maturation process, as they provide the ideal environment for the whiskey to develop its unique flavors over time. The temperature and humidity within the warehouses play a significant role in the maturation process, allowing the whiskey to interact with the oak and absorb the flavors and aromas from the barrels.
As the whiskey rests in the sherry and bourbon oak barrels, it undergoes a transformative journey. The flavors from the charred bourbon barrels combine with the fruity and floral notes from the sherry barrels, resulting in a harmonious and well-balanced whiskey.
It is worth noting that the length of time the whiskey spends in these barrels can vary, and each batch may have its own aging requirements. The expertise of the master distillers and blenders at Jameson ensures that the whiskey is carefully monitored and sampled throughout the maturation process to determine the optimal time for bottling.
Jameson utilizes a combination of sherry and bourbon oak barrels in the maturation of their whiskey. The use of Bourbon barrels imparts a rich and robust flavor, while the sherry barrels contribute a fruity, floral, and fragrant character. This careful selection of barrels, along with the expertise of the master distillers, results in the exceptional and distinctive whiskey that Jameson is renowned for.