Based just down the road from me in County Offaly, Kinnitty Castle has plans for their own distillery built on the Castle grounds within the old stables.
In the meantime – a couple of sourced releases are on offer to establish the brand.
The Dapper caught my eye.
Haunted castle? c/othewhiskeynut
Sporting a rather suave looking skeleton bedecked in glasses, sharp suit & tumbler of uisce beatha on the go – it exudes an air of cheeky fun yet steeped in heritage.
Very dashing!
There’s a bit of cask information on the rear – but a thorough tasting is far more enjoyable.
Back info c/othewhiskeynut
It’s almost if drops of the skeleton’s blood have imbued The Dapper with a ruby glow.
Dark rich & heavy aromas of fruity plums reeled me in.
A full mouthfeel bursting with flavour deliciously cascaded over my palate.
Contrasting dry & spicy vanillas danced merrily away on a long lasting finish.
The combination of Chablis casks & Virgin Oak barrels brought out a delightful depth & captivating complexity to this characterful blend.
A cracking little combo to introduce Kinnitty Castle Irish Whiskey to the world.
As it’s Day Of The Dead – I thought a Mexican Tequila would be in order to celebrate all those that have gone before.
Agavales Blanco c/othewhiskeynut
Part of my miniature haul purchased back at the start of the pandemic – Agavales Blanco is a 100% Agave from a distillery in Jalisco – NOM 1438 – that produces many brands.
Classic clear colourless blanco.
Prominent & pleasing agave pungency.
A tad soft & easy on the palate – which may reflect the 35% ABV.
Opens up on the finish with prickly peppery spice & an enlivening bite too!
Usually I’d turn the quest to find a bottle into a blockbuster of The Hunt For Red October proportions – RIP Sean Connery – but due to COVID restrictions – travel beyond 5km was out.
Well travel may be curtailed with COVID – but that doesn’t stop me from sampling the delights of Colombia, Guyana & Panama with these 3 rum miniatures!
Dictador c/othewhiskeynut
Dictador XO Insolent, 40%, Colombia
The bottle is certainly attractive!
Very sweet fruit cake on the nose. Bit empty on the palate. Sweet but ultimately bland on the finish.
The nose promised much more – but sadly didn’t deliver for me.
El Dorado c/othewhiskeynut
El Dorado 12 Year Old, 40%, Guyana
What a contrast – nuttiness on the nose!
A gentle sweet & smooth palate that came to life on the finish. More of that nuttiness, touch of spicy tannic oak, good depth & flavour with a nice tingling dryness too.
Much more my style!
Abuelo c/othewhiskeynut
Ron Abuelo 12 Year Old, 40%, Panama
Sweet dark fruits on the nose.
Again – this rum came alive on the finish. A bit more bite from this one, the nuttiness more subdued, more whiskey like in the drinking experience.
A lovely sipper!
A trio of rums! c/othewhiskeynut
Thoughts
Sad to say Dictador fell flat for me – more style over substance with the fancy bottle.
Both El Dorado & Abuelo impressed.
El Dorado won out by displaying more rum like characteristics.