Irish Rover Irish Whiskey, 40%, Blend

I don’t know if 3 Counties Spirits have a back catalogue of Irish folk songs to name their whiskeys after – but I’m very happy to purchase this latest release – Irish Rover.

Having previously enjoyed the very well presented Galtee Mountain Boy Irish Whiskey from the same independent bottlers – Irish Rover differs in being ‘ a delicate blend of grain and malt Irish Whiskey’ – and is produced in ‘the South West of Ireland’ – which kind of narrows down the distillery to West Cork.

Irish Rover is also a response to the Minimum Unit Pricing – MUP – regime in place in Ireland.

I used to pick up 700ml bottles in the sub €20 category – now they’re all €22.09 minimum.

Going for 500ml bottles allows you to purchase sub €20 bottles again.

Happy days!

So how is Irish Rover Irish Whiskey to experience?

A no nonsense screw cap is cracked open to pour a light golden brown whiskey – no mention of added caramel or not – although Non Chill Filtered is stated.

A fairly shy nose – hints of vanilla & caramel with a touch of bready malt peeking through.

Easy on the palate. Smooth & mild.

A welcome growing heat develops on the rear – augmented by a flourish of almost gingery spice on the finish.

Really enjoyed this one!

That spicy finale endears Irish Rover to me.

Available in yer local Tesco!

Sláinte

3 Counties Spirit website here.

My blog on Galtee Mountain Boy Irish Whiskey here.

Tesco listing here.

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Croithlí Sessile Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46%

I was on errands in Dublin but managed a little break in the recently refurbished Distilled premises to catch up with what’s new in Irish Whiskey.

The former Porterhouse Bar has been given a fresh face-lift & re-named Tapped whilst their Whiskey Bar remains reassuringly the same inside.

With such a plethora of new Irish Whiskey on the market I was a little dumbstruck as what to choose from their overflowing shelves. In the end I went for a new Donegal distillery in the shape of Crolly Distillery – or Croithlí if you wish to use Irish.

Croithlí have three Single Malt bottles on the market. None of them are actually distilled at the site – it’s far too young a project for that yet – but they have finished the sourced single malts in a variety of virgin oak casks to accentuate the differing flavours each wood-finish brings to the table.

Given a choice of Irish, European or American Oak – I went for Irish.

Labelled as Sessile Single Malt this bottle shares the same ex-bourbon matured malt as the others before being finished in virgin Quercus Petraea Oak barrels – otherwise known as Irish Oak – which in this instance has been sourced from Slovenia!

A rather soft nose greeted me.

Lovely oaky tannins with a heaviness reminiscent of Midleton’s Dair Ghaelach series were evident on the palate.

Opened up more on the finish where the woody influence shone through.

Very engaging.

An entertaining experience would be to try all three wood influences on a back-to-back tasting to tease out the different flavours each displays.

Sadly I wasn’t in a position to do that on the day – perhaps for later.

A wonderful way to showcase the distillery in advance of their own distillate being ready.

Sláinte

Review of the refurbished Porterhouse Bar here.

Crolly Distillery website here.

Loch Measc Single Malt, 45%

This is what a 3 year old whiskey looks like at natural colour.

Pale straw like yellow.

Loch Measc in County Mayo have released their inaugural single malt whiskey non-chill filtered & natural colour.

There’s certainly a freshness to the nose – almost minty.

Smooth palate – merest hints of flavours.

A lovely warming finale gives a lip smacking sensation with residues of new make whiskey, prickliness & a certain dryness too.

Lovely to get the opportunity to try out a new Irish distillery’s output – even if at only 3 years of age this is still a work in progress.

There is pressure on new distilleries to have something on offer to tempt folks in. Initially that might be poitín or new make offerings. Vodka & gin also provide a revenue stream while their own whiskey matures. Clearly many go for sourced whiskey to get their name out there & build up a relationship with both customers & retail streams. Loch Measc have chosen to only release their own distillate – albeit an early offering that hints at future flavours to come rather than a well rounded mature core product.

Will be interesting to see what the next few years adds to this initial whiskey.

Sláinte

Loch Measc website here.

My thanks to @simonsaysbeer for delivering this miniature from the Grainne Ale Craft Beer Festival

Dundalgan Irish Whiskey Gift Pack, 2 x Blends, 40%, 3 x Single Malts, 42%

I do love a miniature gift pack.

Especially one coming from ‘the largest wholly owned distillery in the country of Ireland’.

West Cork Distillers are a powerhouse of Irish Whiskey. They produce their own branded whiskey range – as well as supplying many a supermarket own label – as in this Dundalgan Gift Pack for Lidl – and several other non-distillery Irish Whiskey brands too.

I enjoy the opportunity a miniature pack gives to explore the diversity of range & styles available at a single setting.

My encounters with Dundalgan started back in 2018 & have continued ever since. I admire their evolution both in terms of label design & tweaking of product from batch to batch.

Without further ado – here’s what I found.

Dundalgan Blended Irish Whiskey, 40%

This entry level blend has always delivered the goods. An easy going vanilla & caramel nose, pleasant soft mouthfeel with a little kick on the finish.

A benchmark Irish Whiskey blend.

Dundalgan Charred Cask, Blend, 40%

Given an additional finish in charred casks has imbued this whiskey with a darker hue – along with added richness & warmth. Smoother on the palate there’s enhanced depth with a touch of spice on the rear.

Nice.

Dundalgan Stout Cask, Single Malt, 42%

The first of a trio of single malts featuring different cask finishes. The Stout Cask offers up an almondy nutty nose. Soft yet rich on the palate, a prickly tingling on the rear no doubt added to by the extra 42% presentation.

Dundalgan IPA Cask, Single Malt, 42%

I’m not a fan of IPA in craft beer – but in whiskey it does add a light fruitiness to the palate with a hint of bitterness on the rear.

A refreshing contrast to the other offerings.

Dudalgan Sherry Cask, Single Malt, 42%

You could say – along with the Blended Whiskey – this is the most traditional offering in the portfolio. A soft easy nose segues into a mild & gentle palate topped off with a dry spice on the rear.

Well balanced.

Thoughts

Regardless of your palate preferences there’s a Dundalgan to suit all – although I’m still holding out for a smoky version myself!

Given that all these whiskey are presented with natural colouring & non chill filtered at an affordable price they offer an impressive array of flavours.

My choice steers me towards the honest simplicity of Blended Irish Whiskey & the refreshing lightness of IPA Cask.

Which ones would you have chosen?

Sláinte

West Cork Distillers website here.

Brothership Irish-American Whiskey, 10 Years Old, 45%, Blend

I first purchased Brothership back in 2017.

I was motivated by the unique collaborative effort of Connacht Whiskey Company & New Liberty Distillery to combine 10 year old Irish & American Whiskeys in a single bottling – & I was also under the impression the American component contained a high rye content.

After the recent release of Powers Rye I was keen to revisit Brothership.

Aware that 6 years is WAY beyond the recommended 2 year time limit for opened spirits bottles – I was a little apprehensive.

How had I allowed this shocking situation to develop?

My constant desire to taste new product had built up a large stash of opened bottles I couldn’t possibly safely consume on my own.

To address this my ‘collection’ – as it is – is always open for sample swaps. Also – with the collaboration of World Famous Sean’s Bar in Athlone – I’ve been holding monthly ‘Whiskey By The Water’ tastings where a small group of us gather, drink & debate the virtues of the varied whiskey – & other spirits – featured.

You’re welcome to contact me to get involved in either initiative.

But back to Brothership!

Well the cork appears unblemished.

A fairly light coloured whiskey greets me – along with a rather shy & muted nose.

An easy start to the palate slowly grows with gentle peppery spices.

The finish flourishes with prickly spiciness tingling away to a dry lip-smacking finale.

Brothership’s charms appear to have not been diminished by it’s long time in storage.

A highly entertaining whiskey!

Sláinte

Blog article on how long to store opened bottles here.

Connacht Whiskey website here.

New Liberty Distillery website here.

Whiskey By The Water tastings are held 1st Wednesday of every month at Sean’s Bar, Athlone, 7.30pm. Check social media for latest bottle choices #WhiskeyByTheWater

Red Locks Irish Whiskey, 40%, Blend

The recent World Whiskies Awards 2023 brought a gamut of worthy winners allowing them to boost their profiles & increase sales.

I enjoy perusing the winners – seeing what I’ve already enjoyed – what I could possibly obtain – or simply drool at the unavailable.

One winning bottle that struck me as being eminently affordable – in America – yet unavailable in the country where it was produced – Ireland – caught my eye.

Welcome to Red Locks Irish Whiskey.

Winning the Irish category for Blended Whiskey is no mean feat.

Congratulations to both Kieran Folliard – the entrepreneur behind the brand – and Noel Sweeney – the master blender who created the whiskey.

Kieran – who runs a chain of Irish bars & restaurants in Minnesota – previously launched 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey in the US.

2 Gingers achieved being the only whiskey to survive the shutting down of supply to 3rd parties when Beam took over control at Kilbeggan/Cooley Distilleries in Ireland. The very distilleries Noel Sweeney was Master Distiller at.

Perhaps being a big hit with it’s many customers influenced that decision.

Well the dynamic duo are back again with Red Locks.

Using a combination of ex- sherry, bourbon & rye barrels along with some virgin casks too, this 80/20, corn/barley, column/pot still mix clearly impressed the judges at the World Whiskies Awards.

It’s just a pity I’ll be unlikely to enjoy it in it’s home country of Ireland!

Sláinte

Images courtesy Red Locks website here,

& World Whiskies Awards 2023 page here.

Blog about Beam shutting down supply here.

2 Gingers acquired by Beam here.

Powers Irish Rye, 43.2%

At the 2016 Irish Whiskey Awards Brian Nation – then Master Distiller for Midleton – announced rye had been planted in County Wexford to be used for whiskey distillation.

This gave me great cheers as rye historically was an integral ingredient in the mash-bill of Irish Whiskey.

Conveniently at that event a bottle of Ransom The Emerald – an American made whiskey using a mixed mash-bill based on an Irish Whiskey recipe containing rye – did the rounds.

What a delight it was to taste!

A few years ago the only rye influence available in Irish Whiskey came from the use of ex-rye casks.

PrizeFight Whiskey were one of the first & used this method to great effect.

Other Irish Whiskey like the wonderful Bart’s from Lough Ree, Foxes Bow & Blackwater’s Velvet Cap followed & all benefited – to my palate at least – from the additional flavour profile rye brings to the mix.

It’s only in the last year or so actual rye grain has made the mash-bill of a couple of Irish Whiskey.

Shortcross Rye & Malt I instantly fell in love with – while the charms of Method & Madness Rye And Malt weren’t as immediate.

Powers Rye takes this flavoursome grain to a new level.

Using only Irish grown grain in a 100% rye mash-bill – this instantly poses the question if enzymes were used to kickstart fermentation?

Even in the US a small amount of malted barley provides this catalyst as shown by the readily available 95/5 mix of Bulleit Rye.

Such questions however play second fiddle to my primary objective – how does Powers Rye taste?

Well the nose displays that classic signature peppery spice of rye whiskey.

There’s a richness & warmth encountered on the palate which pleased me.

Perhaps being freed from the American rule of using virgin casks for maturation has allowed a juiciness from ex-bourbon casks to balance the dryness of many a rye.

Different cask maturation is a common feature in European Rye I’ve enjoyed.

The gorgeous French Roof Rye certainly enticed me – while Wild Fields from Poland & Stork Rye from Germany also offered different interpretations of rye whiskey worth trying.

Meanwhile Powers Irish Rye’s finish provided more of those lovely spices & while there was a dry element – it was balanced by a nuanced juiciness & warm feeling.

I thoroughly welcome the increased diversity Powers Rye brings to the Irish Whiskey category.

It opens up a new layer of flavour & style which has sadly been lost to the industry for about a century.

Back in 1908 the esteemed Mr A Jameson stated at The Royal Commission Into Whisky that rye was a common ingredient in Irish Whiskey,

‘but rye is very a difficult thing to buy nowadays grown in Ireland’.

Thankfully that is no longer the case.

Welcome back Irish Rye!

Sláinte

By pressing on the green coloured type you will be directed to my blogs on the whiskey highlighted.

Difficulties of using rye in distillation here.

I picked my Powers Rye up in O’Brien’s here.

May Lóag Diamond, Elegance & Triple Wood Irish Whiskey, 46%

I was impressed by May Lóag.

The attractiveness of their dumpy bottles complete with horned stoppers was heightened by the quality of the tasty liquid inside.

This trio of whiskey was recently sampled in the fabulous Dead Centre Brewing in Athlone.

Elegance Single Malt, 46%

Elegance by name – elegant by drinking experience.

Enjoying this classic ex-bourbon cask only matured whiskey. Provided a richness on the palate followed by a frisson of spice on the rear topped off with a gentle kick.

Nice!

Triple Wood Single Malt, 46%

Rich, sweet sherry bomb of a blend.

Triple Wood displayed a smoother, sweeter palate marrying together a combination of ex-bourbon, sherry & red wine casks in juicy fruitiness.

Sweet!

Diamond 10 Year Old Blend, 46%

A rich vanilla & caramel nose captivated me.

The sumptuousness of this whiskey was balanced by an appealing woody spiciness which added an element of prickliness on the finish.

Lovely!

Thoughts

All of these divergent whiskeys impressed with clean, clear flavours.

Despite the grandness of Diamond, I was drawn to the simple pleasures of a well presented standard ex-bourbon matured single malt in Elegance.

Quality whiskey indeed!

Sláinte

May Lóag website here.

Dead Centre website here.

Ballydoyle Irish Whiskey, First Spirits 8yo Peated Malt & Barr an Uisce 10yo Single Malt, 40% to 46%

Finishing off my miniature sample selection from the Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder is this tasty trio of Irish Whiskey.

Starting with Ballydoyle, a blend produced for the famous horse Racing Stables in Tipperary,

First Spirits 8yo Peated Malt follows – peat isn’t just a Scotch flavour you know,

Concluding with Wicklow brand Barr an Uisce 10yo Single Malt.

Ballydoyle Irish Whiskey, 40%

Light straw in colour. Leathery, fruity, sweet caramel & vanilla nose. Lovely rich mouthfeel. Classic ex-bourbon cask Irish Whiskey – & a very nice example too!

First Spirits 8 Year Old Peated Malt, 46%

I’m drawn to the lightness of colour in peated whiskey. I’m drawn even more to the rich smokiness of imbibing such a creation. First Spirits satisfies my smoky cravings!

Barr an Uisce 10 Year Old Single Malt, 46%

Golden brown spirit. Sweet dark fruity nose. Enjoying the woody influence on the palate. A very fine aged single malt.

Thoughts

What a fabulous trio of Irish Whiskey!

With a never ending array of increasingly exotic cask finishes it’s a welcome treat to go ‘back-to-basics’ with wonderfully produced ex-bourbon cask matured Irish Whiskey.

Each had their own special charms, every one offered different elements, yet all connected to my senses.

Obviously First Spirits peater was my favourite – but the others were a delight to savour.

What Irish Whiskey do you savour?

Sláinte

All bottle images courtesy Celtic Whiskey Shop & Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder.

Further information on Ballydoyle Irish Whiskey here, First Spirits here & Barr an Uisce here.

Dundalgan Irish Whiskey Ginger Ale & Lime RTD, 5%

Dundalgan is an exclusive brand for Lidl made by West Cork Distillers.

They’ve branched out into the Ready To Drink – RTD – cocktail market with this Irish Whiskey Ginger & Lime.

Despite RTDs not being my ‘drink-of-choice’ – I’m happy to try them out.

I was pleasantly surprised by a pronounced & clear ginger aroma on the nose.

Lime came through on the palate too.

But I still find it a trifle difficult to detect the Irish Whiskey element.

Dundalgan Ginger & Lime does make for a very easy going & highly refreshing drink however.

A pleasing little offering.

Sláinte