IRELAND. Irish Distillers has launched what it calls its “rarest and most exclusive whiskey to date” from the Jameson family: Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve. The unveiling took place in terrific style last night at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, home of Jameson. The 150 guests, including The Moodie Report, were also treated to a special performance from Irish rock star Sinead O’Connor.
Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve contains some of the oldest and rarest whiskies available for selection from Jameson stocks. It’s a one-off blend for 2007, with just 1,300 cases for distribution.
Irish Distillers CEO Paul Duffy told guests: “We’re here tonight to celebrate craft. Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve is absolutely loyal to the Jameson tradition but combines some of our finest stocks in one rare blend. It’s fitting that we’re celebrating that achievement in Midleton: Dublin may the spiritual home of Jameson, but Midleton is its heart.”
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Stylish celebration: (Clockwise from top left) Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve, which was launched last night at the Midleton Distillery; A toast from the ‘Four Masters’ of Jameson whiskey distilling who created the new line: Brendan Monks, Billy Leighton, Barry Crockett and David Quinn; Irish Distillers CEO Paul Duffy says: “We’re here tonight to celebrate craft”; Irish rock star Sinead O’Connor performs a stunning set with the Jameson Orchestra | |
The Vintage Reserve marks a step up intensity, complexity and flavour from the existing Jameson Reserve whiskies. Jameson Master of Whiskey Science David Quinn said: This is the ultimate Jameson. This Reserve needed to be of a certain age, vintage and quality, and we believe we have achieved that in this blend. It’s got floral and fruity tastes, toasted wood and spiciness, and a long finish. But it’s also true to the spirit of the Jameson family.”
Master Distiller Barry Crockett said: “The creation of this triple distilled whiskey, in specially commissioned and selected oak casks, encapsulates the ultimate expression of Jameson craftsmanship.”
Travel retail will receive an allocation from the stocks, with a selective global roll-out beginning at the end of 2007. The retail price point in travel retail is expected to be around £130 or €200.
Irish Distillers Regional Manager Global Travel Retail Michael Cunningham said: “We are incredibly excited about the latest addition of the Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve to the Jameson portfolio of premium whiskeys, which is guaranteed to bolster Jameson’s sales and visibility in the high-end spirits market within travel retail. For whiskey lovers and discerning travellers this is a must-buy product, it ticks all the boxes in terms of taste, quality and sophistication.”
In future, the company aims to produce more Reserve Vintages based on other stocks of rare and old whiskies.
Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve forms part of the Pernod Ricard-owned company’s Reserve Collection, which also includes Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve, Jameson Gold Reserve (originally a duty free exclusive) and Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve.
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(Top left) Celebrating the launch are (left to right) The Moodie Report Deputy Publisher Dermot Davitt and the Pernod Ricard Travel Retail Europe team including Sales Director Charles Raciti, Managing Director Ian Williams, Marketing Director John Smailes plus Jameson Regional Director Travel Retail Donagh McHenry and Irish Distillers Regional Manager Global Travel Retail Michael Cunningham; (Top right) Jameson is housed in 600,000 casks across 32 warehouses; (Below left) The Old Midleton Distillery, symbol of a proud heritage; (Right) the pot stills that give Jameson its unique taste | |
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