Photo Courtesy Anthony Tahlier
There is no drink like whiskey to get us all in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit, and with the famed Irish holiday coming up tomorrow, we decided to call in the experts. Jameson is iconic within the whiskey community, and the Irish brand also has a strong presence in the Windy City. Jameson brand ambassador Niamh Ryan broke down what everyone should know about Irish whiskey for St. Patrick’s Day …
DiningOut: What is Jameson’s significance in the whiskey community?
Niamh Ryan: Jameson was established in 1780 by John Jameson on Bow Street in Dublin. The Jameson family crest hangs proudly on every bottle of Jameson today. It was awarded to his ancestors back in the 1500s. The phrase “Sine Metu” is Latin for “Without Fear” and is something that we try to embody today. [Jameson] is the number one selling Irish whiskey in the world.
For those who don’t know as much about whiskey, tell us about the Jameson flavor profile?
We mature our whiskey in both bourbon and Sherry barrels. The bourbon barrels impart some sweet vanilla notes while the Sherry influence leaves notes of dried fruits and nuts.
Why is it so unique?
Jameson is a blended style of whiskey, combining Single Pot Still (made with both malted and unmalted barley) and grain whiskies. Every last drop comes from the Midleton distillery. So from grain to glass, all production happens in one location. Triple distillation, pioneered by John Jameson, leads to the smooth characteristic and soft mouth feel.
What foods pair well with whiskey?
Anything that can help bring out the flavor profiles in the whiskey. For St. Patrick’s Day, some Irish cheese on some brown soda bread is a delicious combo and will help bring out the barley characteristics in our whiskey. Also, the Jameson ice cream we sampled at The Boiler Room is always a great choice.
Photo Courtesy Anthony Tahlier
What are some Jameson cocktails you would recommend in Chicago?
GreenRiver’s Jameson Punch made with Jameson, Aquavit, apricot liqueur, ginger ale, and lime.
You can also make Bar Deville’s Tipperary at home. Combine 1-1/2 parts Jameson, 3/4 part sweet vermouth, 1/2 part green chartreuse, and a dash of lemon oil in a shaker with ice, strain, and pour into a coupe glass.
And last but not least, Boiler Room’s Chicago Fire. To make it home, start by smoking ice under torched fresh rosemary, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and orange peel. In a separate mixing glass, stir together 3/4 part infused simple syrup and 2-1/2 parts Jameson, then add in 6 dashes boiler bitters. Place smoked ice in a glass and pour mixture over ice. Spray with an allspice dram.
Interview by Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
The post Whisky Knowledge for St. Patrick’s Day appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.