Jameson® & Irish Craft Beer Join Forces, Resulting In One-Of-A-Kind Whiskey: Jameson Caskmates™

NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of the Jameson Drinking Buddies program, Jameson Irish Whiskey's passion for craft, quality and neighborhood collaboration continues with a one-of-a-kind whiskey – Jameson Caskmates. For the first time ever, local Irish micro-brewery Franciscan Well and Jameson Original shared casks to create one exceptional whiskey combining the smoothness of Jameson Original with the richness of stout beer, offering a new and distinct tasting experience.

Born in 2013 over drinks at a local neighborhood pub in County Cork, Ireland, Caskmates was created by two longtime friends, Dave Quinn, Master of Whiskey Science at Jameson Distillery and Shane Long, Head Brewer at local Irish micro-brewery Franciscan Well.

Following Dave and Shane hatching the idea of Caskmates, Jameson shared its proprietary oak whiskey barrels from the Midleton Distillery with Franciscan Well, who created a unique Irish stout aged in Jameson barrels. They were excited to see what impact the Jameson whiskey barrels would have on Franciscan Well's fine Irish stout beer – and they were equally impressed with the results.

However, their curiosity didn't end there. Returning the gesture, the now stout-seasoned barrels were sent back to the distillery to be refilled with Jameson Original. As a result of its time spent in the stout-seasoned barrels, Jameson Caskmates has the triple-distilled smoothness of Jameson, but now with new added notes of coffee, cocoa, and hops.

"Imagined from a conversation in a neighborhood pub, Jameson Caskmates is a product of shared passion for craft, quality and collaboration," said Sona Bajaria, Director, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Pernod Ricard USA. "We're excited to continue our close relationships with craft brewers in both Ireland and the U.S., and share this first-to-market Irish whiskey from Jameson with neighborhoods around the country."

Jameson Caskmates is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks in order to truly appreciate the new, fresh flavors that the stout-finishing brings. With the subtle suggestions of hops in every sip, it also makes it a perfect accompaniment to stout beer.

Jameson Caskmates, suggested retail price $29.99, is now available in select retailers and neighborhood bars nationwide.

For additional information please visit http://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/caskmates.

TASTE RESPONSIBLY.
JAMESON® Irish Whiskey. 40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof). Product of Ireland. ©2015 Imported by John Jameson Import Company, Purchase, NY

About Drinking Buddies

Jameson Drinking Buddies is a unique collaboration between Jameson Irish Whiskey and five local breweries from across the US who exemplify devotion to the spirit of their neighborhoods and share Jameson's passion for craft and quality in the beer they produce. Using Jameson barrels, the brewery partners each created a limited edition beer that reflects Jameson's Irish history and the breweries' distinct neighborhoods. More information is available at JamesonNeighborhood.com.

About Pernod Ricard USA®

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA, which employs a workforce of nearly 19,000 people worldwide and is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI).

The company's leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod®, Ricard® and Avión™ Tequila; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek®, Kenwood® Vineyards and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

Pernod Ricard USA is based in New York, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org

SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA