Jean-Claude Van Damme rang in his 63rd birthday traveling the world, shooting a sequel to Kill’em All and surprisingly, promoting his latest venture as co-founder of Old Oak Irish Whiskey. Surprising in the sense I always thought he was a vodka and beer guy. From Bruce Willis to The Rock to George Clooney or Ryan Reynolds, global superstars getting into the alcohol game can be a lucrative endeavor.
Looking to embody the “dynamic spirit and boundless energy” of JCVD, Old Oak is meant to be a link between “martial arts mastery and the artistry of whiskey making”. Jean-Claude visited the Irish distillery and was seen promoting in the Emerald Isle for the first time since the Planet Hollywood days. Old Oak is allegedly donating profits to some of JCVD’s favorite causes like animal rescue so you can feel even better about having that drink.
I searched for Old Oak at whiskey bars along with the local Bev Mo and Total Wine & More to no avail. Then links from Hard to Find Whiskey popped up on the official website and I made a holiday purchase of both the Old Oak Irish Whiskey Aged 3 Years and the 5 year aged Whiskey Jamaican Rum Reserve. HTFW did an astounding job shipping my order from the U.K. to Los Angeles, California in quick time with the bottles well protected.
Jameson Irish Whiskey is my spirit of choice with its smooth finish, availability and mid-range price point but I never thought to sit down and “taste” it. A friend recommended referencing a flavor wheel to help spark any detections of ingredients or taste and finish. With Bloodsport playing, we whiffed and sipped, making our way through the two pours. The signature 3 year was light in color and smooth while heating up my throat. I despise peaty and smoky scotch and there was none of that here, but I also couldn’t detect the mash, yeast or malt either. The 5 year was even smoother, and you could definitely taste the rum barrel finish.
Since then, I’ve enjoyed both on the rocks to start off an evening and looking forward to getting Jean-Claude’s autograph on a bottle. Cheers and oss!