About this whisky

John Jameson set up his whiskey business in Dublin in 1780, and his family motto, Sine Metu ('without fear'), still sits on every label. Today Jameson is made at the Midleton distillery in County Cork by Irish Distillers. Its smoothness comes from the classic Irish method: malted and unmalted Irish barley, distilled three times and blended from pot still and grain whiskeys, then aged for a minimum of three years in oak.

The result is light, easy and quietly characterful: floral and fruity on the nose with a touch of wood, then sweet vanilla, toasted wood and a gentle spice on the palate, finishing smooth and mellow. It is a whiskey that suits almost any moment, from a relaxed drink after work to a party where you want a crowd-pleaser, and it shines in long drinks. Keep a bottle in the bar for guests who prefer something softer than Scotch.

Key facts

• Founded by John Jameson in Dublin in 1780; now made at Midleton, County Cork
• Triple distilled from malted and unmalted Irish barley
• A blend of pot still and grain whiskey, aged for a minimum of three years
• Part of Pernod Ricard since 1988; bottled at 40%

Tasting notes

Nose:

Light floral fruit with a hint of wood

Palate:

Smooth vanilla sweetness, toasted wood and gentle spice

Finish:

Mellow and clean

Serve

The brand's signature serve: 50 ml Jameson over ice in a tall glass, topped with ginger ale and a wedge of lime. Also lovely with soda, or neat.

Food pairing

Pairs well with fish and chips or a grilled cheese sandwich, and with Chinese-Bengali crispy chilli baby corn or prawn wontons.