Non alcoholic drinks are expanding at a rapid rate.
It’s always good to see an Irish Distillery – Old Carrick Mill Distillery in this case – get in on the act. Especially when offered at an attractive price in Aldi too!
Saoirse means freedom in Irish – yet the nose offered up a pleasant sweet fruity fragrance.
A tad watery on the palate – similar to other non-alcoholic spirits – that lacked body & depth.
Sadly the finish faded rather quickly too. Leaving little taste or flavour behind.
Perhaps these kind of drinks are more suited for cocktails – which aren’t my thing.
A pleasant nose, an attractive bottle & affordable price still don’t compensate for a rather weak drinking experience – but then I’m not really the target audience.
The rise of Irish Whiskey continues at an unprecedented pace & anything that gets you noticed in an ever increasing marketplace is a bonus.
May Lóag Irish Whiskey’s attractively designed bottles crowned with distinctive ‘Bull Horns’ evoking tales of Táin Bó Cúailnge – Cattle Raid Of Cooley – certainly stand out from the crowd.
I knew some of the releases had a peaty element – which I like – & I found it in sample 5. It wasn’t overpowering – gently balanced, easy & attractive. A delightful blend.
I was immediately taken by this one. The reveal surprised me being peated – as I didn’t detect it on tasting! I did get a very enjoyable & characterful whiskey!
The above two captivated me – I’d happily purchase both – leaving the rest somewhat in the shadows.
5th place, Sample 3, West Cork, Virgin Oak Cask, Single Malt, 43%
‘Honeyed hint of smoke?, soft mellow & earthy palate, prickliness on rear.’
The reveal surprised me again. I’d have expected richer vanilla & caramel with some peppery spice from the virgin oak casks. Obviously being ‘finished’ rather than ‘matured’ hadn’t brought out enough flavour for my liking.
So there we go.
A very enjoyable tasting session where 2 of the newest entrants to the Irish Whiskey scene excited me.