For those in pursuit of an extraordinary Irish whiskey experience, the Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength Batch 1 stands as a remarkable testament to masterful distillation and maturation. It’s no exaggeration to state upfront: this bottle is truly exceptional. My journey with this particular expression lasted three and a half years, not due to any shortcomings, but rather a deliberate choice to savor each dram, reserving it for moments deserving of something truly special. However, in the latter stages of the bottle, its allure became irresistible, transforming into a cherished weekly indulgence, a comforting and flavorful ritual.
This is not your typical Jameson encounter. Bearing a price tag of $160 for Batch 1, it rightfully sets elevated expectations – expectations that are not just met, but gloriously exceeded. The 18 years of maturation at cask strength places it in the esteemed company of whiskeys like Redbreast 21, though subtle nuances might place Redbreast slightly ahead in terms of richness and complexity.
Throughout the extended period I enjoyed this bottle, the aroma profile remained consistently vibrant and fruity, dominated by inviting notes of stewed apples and ripe pears. The palate consistently delivered a richer, deeper character than another cask strength Irish favorite, the Redbreast 12 Cask Strength. The additional six years of aging are undeniably evident, contributing a significant depth and richness that sets it apart.
Alt text: A bottle of Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength whiskey, highlighting the Bow Street distillery heritage and its premium quality Irish spirit.
One might wonder if such an extended open period—three years in this case—would negatively impact the whiskey. In my experience, the Bow Street 18 Year remained remarkably stable, exhibiting minimal flavor deviation and maintaining its captivating character from first pour to last. This Bow Street 18 Year offered an engaging and approachable departure from many other Irish whiskeys in my collection. Given the choice, I would unequivocally opt for this cask strength iteration over the standard Jameson 18 Year, often found on shelves at a more modest 40% ABV. The elevated alcohol strength truly unlocks a world of difference, amplifying the flavors and delivering a more profound tasting experience.
For those fortunate enough to visit Dublin, a tour of the Jameson Distillery Bow St. is highly recommended. Seek out the tour option that includes a tasting directly from the cask within their intimate on-site warehouse. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to fully appreciate the Bow Street legacy and the exceptional character of their cask strength offerings.
Score: 94
Will I restock this? Finding another bottle of Batch 1 at this point seems unlikely. However, should the opportunity arise, particularly at a price near the original MSRP, I would not hesitate to secure it for my collection.
