Jameson Gold Reserve vs Jameson 18: Whiskey Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:24 am

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Explore the distinctions between Jameson Gold Reserve and Jameson 18 in this detailed comparison and find the Whiskey that best suits your preferences!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Jameson Gold Reserve vs Jameson 18: Comparison

Jameson Gold Reserve: A creamy, rich blend with notes of vanilla, chocolate, and dried fruit. Enjoyable neat, it becomes even smoother with a touch of water.

Jameson 18: Elegant, with a complex flavor of Crème Brûlée, brown sugar, and spices. Best enjoyed neat for a refined tasting experience.

Verdict: Both whiskeys offer a luxurious experience. Gold Reserve shines with its richness and adaptability, while Jameson 18 stands out for its depth and refined complexity, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Top Jameson Whiskey Picks

Jameson Gold Reserve: A Rich and Complex Irish Whiskey

Nose: Vanilla, sherry, honey, caramel
Palate: Chocolate, dried fruit, oak
Finish: Oak spice, caramel, dried fruit
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Neat
Similar to: Jameson

Aroma: This Irish whiskey opens with a creamy wave of vanilla, followed by enticing notes of sherry, honey, and a touch of caramel.

Palate: The initial sip offers a gentle warmth, leading to a complex flavor profile. Hints of bitter chocolate, dried fruit, oak, and spice intertwine on the palate.

Finish: The finish lingers with a satisfying warmth, featuring lingering oak spice, caramel, and echoes of dried fruit. Adding a touch of water can further enhance the experience by bringing out delicate floral notes, making it even more approachable.

A Personal Favorite: While individual preferences for Jameson may vary, this reviewer found the Gold Reserve to be particularly enjoyable and satisfying. It retains classic Irish whiskey notes of bitter chocolate and dried fruit, but with added depth and character. The manageable heat and spice, coupled with the positive impact of water, contribute to a well-rounded drinking experience.

Additional Notes:

Jameson Gold Reserve is a blend of whiskeys, featuring three pot still whiskeys and one grain whiskey.
The aging process involves various cask types:
- One pot still whiskey matures in new American oak barrels for 8-10 years.
- Another pot still whiskey ages in ex-bourbon barrels for 10-20 years.
- The third pot still whiskey spends its time in ex-sherry casks for 10-12 years.
- The grain whiskey primarily matures in ex-bourbon barrels.

Jameson 18: A Refined Irish Whiskey Experience

Nose: Vanilla, cinnamon, caramel
Palate: Crème Brûlée, brown sugar, clove
Finish: Long, licorice, baking spice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Neat
Similar to: Midleton Very Rare

Aroma: Jameson 18 opens with an inviting scent of delicate floral notes, followed by rich sweetness reminiscent of vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of caramel.

Palate: This aged whiskey offers a complex and delightful taste profile. Imagine indulging in a Crème Brûlée, with flavors of brown sugar, clove, and gentle oak spice dancing on your palate.

Finish: The long finish leaves a pleasant warming sensation, accompanied by subtle hints of licorice and baking spice.

A Step Above: Jameson 18 showcases a noticeable refinement compared to younger expressions of the brand. It’s a smooth and enjoyable whiskey best savored neat, allowing its complexities to shine through.

Value Proposition: While Jameson 18 carries a premium price tag compared to some Single Malts like Glenlivet 18 or Glenfiddich 18, it offers a unique and enjoyable Irish whiskey experience. Ultimately, the decision of whether it’s worth the investment depends on your individual preferences and budget.

Additional Notes:

This whiskey is a blend of malt and grain whiskeys, aged for a minimum of 18 years.
The aging process involves a combination of selected sherry and bourbon casks for 15 years, followed by a final three years in first-fill bourbon barrels for added depth and character.