After tasting the Craft Cider Battered Haddock Fillets a few weeks ago – I thought a gargle of the cider wouldn’t go amiss.
Armagh Craft Cider comes in Sweet, Medium & Dry versions – I choose Dry as it suits my palate best.
Fresh fruity apple nose.
Very easy in the mouth.
It’s on the finish the orchard notes come to the fore.
A pleasing summer evening’s tipple.
Sláinte
Imperial Stout Aged in ex-rum barrels.
Rich, sweet dark molasses with a touch of coffee.
Slips down too easily for such a monster of a beer.
Four months in rum barrels has added so much enjoyable flavour to the mix.
Yet more delights from Dead Centre Brewing!
Sláinte
In advance of their €24 million combined whiskey distillery & brewery coming on stream, Killarney Distilling Co have released this limited edition duo.
Comprising of an 8 year old blended whiskey finished in their own Imperial Stout casks – as well as the Imperial Stout finished in whiskey casks – they make for an exclusive pairing.
The 8yo wasn’t giving much away. Quite soft & shy on the nose.
More powerful on the palate. Subtle sweet grain mixed with wholesome malt augmented by the undertones of barrel finishing.
A rather lively & fresh finish rounded this agreeable blend off.
The Imperial Stout had a richness & depth from the whiskey barrels – but I found the carbonation a tad too lively – which distracted my palate from the complexity within.
Leaving it to sit for a while brought out a creaminess – adding to the enjoyment.
A worthy pair to kick start the exciting journey Killarney Distilling Co are embarking on!
Sláinte
I do love trying out these entry level own brand offerings.
There’s no pretence, airs & graces or big price tag.
Just plain & simple no nonsense spirit.
There’s a smidgen of information with this one.
Blended in the Netherlands using Caribbean Rum & bottled in the UK for the Co-op.
A fairly soft & subtle nose with a faint kiss of funk.
Nice mouthfeel.
Growing heat on the finish with a soupçon of spice to keep it entertaining.
A pleasant easy drinker.
Sláinte
On 1st January 1980 the UK adopted the European ABV system over the older Sikes method.
To convert proof to ABV multiply by 4 & divide by 7 – giving you 40%.
This bottle of Dimple – courtesy John Haig & Co Ltd Distillers, Markinch – is therefore at least 41 years in the bottle.
Age hasn’t been kind.
It’s fusty, flat & a bit lifeless.
Enjoy your whisky freshly bottled – before the sparkle fades.
Sláinte
I don’t know why I left it so long to open this bottle.
All the Belgian whiskies I’ve had the pleasure of encountering before were very enjoyable – and this one is no exception.
Elegantly presented in a striking box replete with information as to the make up of this blend – a uniquely attractive bottle sits inside.
Regardless of packaging or cask details however – a tasting is what counts – 2016 Sola Jerez is a delight!
Rich sherry aromas rise from the glass on pouring.
The mouthfeel is warm, flavourful & engaging – with an appreciable bite on the finish which only adds to the appeal.
A complex interplay of the differing maturation casks used.
If only I could travel to Belgium to enjoy more of De Molenberg’s output!
Sláinte
What’s unusual about Around The Clock is that both the beer & the whiskey barrels it’s aged in are part of the same company – PorterHouse.
Displaying a dark, heavy & rich treacly quality augmented by a sweetness from the Dingle Whiskey barrels – Around The Clock is a fine example of the barrel aged category.
Sláinte
Another immaculately presented bottle with a very distinctive design.
Another strong tasting Baijiu from the Luzhou Laojiau company.
On a back to back with the clay pot Zisha Quo I couldn’t discern much of a taste difference.
Maybe it’s just down to the fancy packaging?
Sláinte
Picked up this older looking Jameson on my travels.
Honeyed, mild & mellow.
Inoffesivity defines the experience.
Sláinte
I never got hold of Preciou1 Cargo – but popping down to the Dead Centre Brewery to collect my tasty takeaway pizza – Preciou2 was on display.
So I bought it.
Combining 2 of my favourite styles of beer – barrel aged – sherry this time – and Belgian Tripel – the results were a delight.
Despite the 9.2% ABV this is seductively easy to drink.
Starting off with a beguiling lightness on the palate, heavier rich notes of maltiness & treacly undertones develop.
A touch of nuttiness on the finish only adds to the experience.
Preciou2 Cargo was brewed to celebrate Dead Centre’s 2nd Birthday.
With beer this good – let there be many more!
Sláinte
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