Clontarf 1014 Irish Whiskey Trinity, Single Malt + Blends, 40%

The Clontarf 1014 Irish Whiskey Trinity pack is one of the most attractive & innovative designs I’ve come across in the whiskey world.

Clontarf Trinity c/othewhiskeynut

The three separate expressions that make up the complete Trinity come in individually designed bottles that fit into one another to give the impression of one complete bottle.

Neat! Or should that be Neat Neat Neat?

Clontarf Irish Whiskey – or 1014 to commemorate the Battle of Clontarf – is one of the brands developed by Castle Brands Inc. They are an NDP (Non Distillery Producer). Like many others – at home and abroad – they source their whiskey from an Irish distillery and add their own signature to the expression.

I’ve come across Clontarf before. Mainly in Aldi – at least in Ireland – but this Trinity pack I picked up in Mullingar’s Old Stand off licence. I did notice they have made a reappearance at the Loop Dublin Airport too when I last flew out.

So what is actually inside the attractive packaging?

There are 3 expressions.

Clontarf Trinity miniatures c/othewhiskeynut

The Clontarf Classic Blend.

The Clontarf Reserve and

The Clontarf Single Malt.

All are presented at 40%. Probably chill filtered with added caramel.

I’ve had the Classic Blend before. It’s the entry level blend. I found it a rather robust straight forward bourbon cask matured malt & grain blend with a decent nose, taste & a healthy bite to it. No nonsense stuff with a bit of character. It is what it is and I found it rather appealing for that.

The Reserve comes over a bit softer & smooth. More subtle and cultured yet lacking the attractive bite of it’s sibling. There is no age statement on any of the Trinity bottles – although I have come across a 10 Year Old Signature Reserve before. It had much the same taste experience.

Clontarf 10 yo Signature Reserve c/othewhiskeynut

The flagship of the Clontarf Trinity is the Single Malt.  At least that’s what you’d expect.

What I found was a soft, even muted nose. A very approachable mellow malt with a smooth delivery together with a gently warming finish. There’s nothing wrong with it. I just found it lacking in character.

Rather oddly for this trio of whiskeys – my favourite would have to be the full tasting full on robust entry level Classic Blend. The vibrancy & honest character of this blend appealed to me over and above it’s more balanced & smoother siblings.

I’d be interested to hear what you found.

Comments below.

Sláinte.

 

 

 

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