When Powerscourt Distillery originally released their core range of Irish Whiskey much of the commentary made a big play of the fact Head Distiller – Noel Sweeney – had overseen the distilling of the liquid whilst at Cooley Distillery & then latterly supervised the blending of the casks at Powerscourt.
Now Mr Sweeney has left Powerscourt – does this lessen the ‘story’ of the whiskeys?
If you rate whiskey by the personality of key players involved in bringing it to market – then perhaps yes?
On the other hand, if you appraise a whiskey based on the taste & flavour of the liquid in the glass before you – it doesn’t matter.
Most whiskey has been produced by a large team of mainly un-named people who all contribute – in one way or another – to making & marketing the final product.
That product – especially if it’s a core release like this Fercullen Falls blend – can be presented to the public as a consistent expression regardless of the potential changing personnel who participate in its existence.
As it is, Fercullen Falls is a non-age statement blend of whiskeys both from outside sources and Powerscourt Distillery itself.
I like the name.
Fercullen Falls themselves are an impressive spectacle set in Powerscourt Estate grounds – and well worth a visit they are too!
So, onto the whiskey!
Pale straw in colour. No mention of added caramel or chill filtering.
A very easy, pleasant soft aroma of vanilla & caramel.
Smooth palate with a touch of honeyed maltiness on the body.
Livens up on the finish with a lovely prickly sensation & decent depth of flavours which fade slowly.
A very well-presented easy drinking blend with no rough edges, fine heritage & an entertaining flourish on the finale.
Sláinte
All images authors own.
Fercullen Falls Whiskey information here.
Noel Sweeney information here.
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 