Jameson 2009 Rarest Vintage Reserve

Cracked open a bottle of the stuff last night to, uh, prep for St. Patrick's day. New bottle, but multiple drams.

Nose: Rich, creamy vanilla, and some sweet brown spices (cardamom, cinnamon, all-spice). A cool melange of fruit - pear, sauteed apples, bananas, and tropical fruits (melons, too). There's a sweet marshmallow quality, probably from the rising vanilla. There is some wood in it, providing a good base. With more time, a bit of cocoa, toffee, and orange in the background. Slightly sweet rice pudding.

Palate: Soft and a little silky on entry. Hrm. Surprising bite from the wood -- bitter with a touch of dryness. A pinch of pepper serving up the alcoholic bite. The wood has vanilla and slowly yields to the fruit. The mid-palate brings a good transition to the fruit. Mango, apricot, sweet pears, bananas, apples, and more "melon." Very fruity, but not a bomb, and the sweet creaminess of the vanilla reminds me of a rich milkshake.

Finish: More of the same, really. Medium-length finish. Never too sweet or fruit, just a real pleaser. The wood came out a bit strong on the palate, but it's a minor gripe.

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