Jameson Gold Reserve is one of the most acclaimed expressions ever produced under the Jameson name — and one of the most distinctive. First released in 1996, Gold Reserve was originally exclusive to airport travel retail, and it quickly built a devoted following among Irish whiskey enthusiasts who recognized it as a significant step above the standard Jameson range. It has since been discontinued, making remaining stock increasingly rare and sought after.
What sets Gold Reserve apart is its three-wood maturation — an approach that was genuinely ahead of its time. The blend combines three separate pot still whiskeys and one grain whiskey: one pot still component aged 8–10 years in virgin American oak barrels, one aged 10–20 years in ex-bourbon casks, and one aged 10–12 years in ex-sherry casks. The virgin oak component is the defining character of the expression — imparting rich vanilla, butterscotch, toasted wood, and a creamy sweetness that distinguishes it from any other Jameson bottling. Triple distilled at Midleton Distillery, County Cork. Rated 94 points by Jim Murray's Whisky Bible.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Midleton Distillery, County Cork, Ireland (Irish Distillers / Pernod Ricard, Est. 1780) |
| Type |
Blended Irish Whiskey — Triple Distilled |
| Blend |
3 Single Pot Still whiskeys + 1 Grain whiskey |
| Maturation |
Three-wood: Virgin American oak (8–10yr) + ex-bourbon (10–20yr) + ex-sherry (10–12yr) |
| Note |
Discontinued expression — first released 1996, no longer in production |
| Awards |
94pts Jim Murray's Whisky Bible |
| Proof |
80 Proof |
| ABV |
40% |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Ireland, County Cork |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep golden amber with warm shimmering tones
Nose: Rich honey, toasted barley, and fragrant wood. Butterscotch, vanilla, and wild flowers lead — the virgin oak's signature. Apple skins, pear juice, fresh peach, and a touch of sherry sweetness develop with time. Herbal and grassy undertones.
Palate: Creamy and full-bodied — buttery at first, transitioning to peanut brittle, wild honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel. Brown sugar, orchard fruits, and light oak build gradually. Pot still spice adds structure.
Finish: Long and satisfying — vanilla and caramel linger with a pleasant peppery warmth and gentle oak.
FAQ
Is Jameson Gold Reserve discontinued?
Yes — Jameson Gold Reserve has been discontinued and is no longer in production. Remaining bottles are increasingly rare. It was first released in 1996 and spent much of its life as a travel retail exclusive before wider distribution. This is a genuine collector's opportunity.
What makes the virgin oak component so significant?
Virgin oak has never held any previous spirit, so it imparts far more intense vanilla, butterscotch, and toasted wood character than ex-bourbon or ex-sherry casks. When Gold Reserve was first released, using virgin oak in an Irish whiskey blend was a genuinely novel approach — and it remains one of the key things that makes this expression special.
Where can I buy Jameson Gold Reserve online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast, insured shipping nationwide.
