Irish whiskey is having a real moment. After decades spent in the shadow of its better-known cousin Scotch, it’s entering a golden era as the world’s fastest growing spirits category. Leading its ascent is Jameson, an Irish whiskey label loved the world over for its signature smoothness, a result of its unique triple distillation process.
Jameson’s story began in 1780, whenScottish businessman John Jameson purchased the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin. Itsmotto “Sine Metu” – meaning without fear – was originally awarded to John Jameson’s forefathers for bravery in fighting pirates off the Scottish coast. “John Jameson, while not fighting pirates like his ancestors, was fearless in a different way,” says Billy Leighton, the house’s esteemed master distiller, who got his start in the industry asa trainee accountant at Irish Distillers’ Old Bush Mill Distillery in 1976. “He wanted to produce Ireland’s finest quality whiskey, and he wasn’t afraid of the challenge. With competition rife at the time he opened his distillery on Bow Street over 200 years ago... I think it’s safe to say his bravery paid off”.
Now, the company is living up to its motto with its latest venture: the Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength, which isthe first ever cask strength Jameson to be available globally and finish its maturation process in Dublin’s only live Maturation House in the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street, Smithfield.“For the first time in more than 40 years, consumers can experience the sounds, smells and auras of a functioning maturation room, in the heart of Dublin,” explains Billy. “We are really pleased to be celebrating Jameson’s Dublin heritage by returning a part of the production process to its original home in Smithfield and reinforcing the more serious whiskey side of the brand’s heritage.”
