Jameson 18 Year Irish Whiskey Review

Welcome back to DadDimes on the Rocks! Today, we’re diving into a luxury Irish whiskey—Jameson 18-Year-Old Irish Whiskey with our special guest, Eric James.  This isn’t your typical Jameson; it’s a triple-distilled, well-aged, and ultra-smooth expression that takes the brand to another level. Let’s find out if it’s worth the price tag!

The Story Behind Jameson 18-Year

Jameson is one of the most recognizable Irish whiskey brands in the world, but the 18-Year is a rare, carefully aged blend that separates itself from the standard lineup.

This triple-distilled blend consists of both pot still and grain whiskeys aged for at least 18 years in a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, before being finished in first-fill bourbon barrels for extra complexity. The result? A rich, smooth, and layered Irish whiskey that delivers deep oak, spice, and fruit notes.

Key Details

• Type: Irish Blended Whiskey
• Proof: 80 (40% ABV)
• Aging: At least 18 years in bourbon & sherry casks, finished in first-fill bourbon barrels
• Distillery: Midleton Distillery, Ireland

Bottle Presentation

Jameson keeps it classy and premium, with an elegant green bottle and gold accents. The wooden presentation box adds a high-end feel, making this a great gift bottle or collector’s piece.

Tasting Notes

Nose
Beautifully rich with aromas of dark chocolate, dried fruit, honey, and toasted oak. Hints of sherry sweetness, orange zest, and vanilla add to the complexity.

Palate
Exceptionally smooth and refined, with flavors of toffee, caramel, and roasted nuts. Mid-palate, you get spiced oak, dark berries, and a hint of leather, making it more complex than standard Jameson.

Finish
Long, warming, and slightly oaky with lingering spice, vanilla, and a touch of dark chocolate. The bourbon and sherry cask influence shine through beautifully.

How Does It Compare?

Compared to Jameson Original, the 18-Year is richer, smoother, and more refined. It has more oak, spice, and complexity than something like Jameson Black Barrel, but it’s not as punchy as cask-strength Irish whiskeys like Redbreast 12 Cask Strength.

If you love well-aged, ultra-smooth whiskey, this is an excellent step up from standard Jameson.

Best Ways to Enjoy

🇮🇪 Neat – The best way to appreciate the depth and smoothness.
🧊 On the Rocks – A small cube of ice can open up more flavors.
🥃 With a Drop of Water – Helps enhance the fruit and spice notes.

This is not a whiskey you want to mix—it’s best enjoyed slowly.

Final Thoughts

Jameson 18-Year is a fantastic luxury Irish whiskey, delivering elegant smoothness, deep oak influence, and a refined, complex palate. If you enjoy high-end Irish whiskey with balance and subtlety, this is a great bottle.

💰 Worth the Price? At around $150-$200, it’s definitely a splurge. While there are other great Irish whiskeys at lower prices, the smoothness