Attending the Irish Whiskey Awards 2019 has it’s attractions.
Like having a tour round the fabulous – and extremely shiny – copper pot stills of Dingle Distillery itself.
As well as tasting the latest Batch 4 release – along with a special Distillery Reserve.
Apart from the spartan label – I had limited time to ask questions. It is fully matured in port casks was all I could glean. Perhaps it’s a component of Batch 4?
The rich dark fruity nose was a delight.
Very gentle on the palate to begin with. It took a while for the wonderful port influence to make it’s presence known – but when it did – very rewarding.
Not overly complex, it’s youth hadn’t developed hidden depths. A simple yet satisfying single malt.
Batch 4 by comparison was more rounded – even cultured – with greater depth courtesy of the triple barrel ageing – bourbon, port & sherry.
The nose was gentle & light – yet the palate opened up right from the start.
Sweet warming vanilla & caramel from the ex-bourbon casks mingled with darker fruits from the port interwoven with a gentle drying spice from the sherry.
There was a lot going on and plenty to pull out from this one.
Both were highly enjoyable single malts displaying differing flavours & influences from the woods matured in.
It also demonstrated – to me at least – the art of blending different individual single malt components together to build a more layered & complex whole.
A big thank you to Dingle Distillery for the warm hospitality & conviviality displayed throughout the evenings awards.
Sláinte
