My continued blind tasting sessions threw a bit of a wobbler recently.
Randomly chosen from a selection of 8 bottles – I failed to identify any of the 4 samples – failed to detect some of the cask influences & failed to enjoy the cask strength couple.
They were – in order of preference;
West Cork, Black’s Stout Cask, Blend, 40%
I found this a very easy & enjoyable, quite clean & sweet, attractively approachable whiskey which despite being relatively simple – hit the right notes.
The reveal surprised me a little as I didn’t detect any stout influence.
Black Op’s, Blend, 43%
A more complex whiskey offering greater depth of flavour from a sherry influence – I guessed Oloroso? – that again satisfied.
It just lost out to the simple pleasures of the Stout Cask.
Dark Silkie, Cask Strength, Blend, 64.5%
Wow!
The high ABV was noticeable from the go. Nice clean & fresh flavours – but the high strength just obliterated my palate & left me reeling.
The peat influence must have been subtle – as I didn’t detect it!
Currach Founders, Cask Strength, Single Malt, 60%
Again the high ABV swamped my senses. The more subtle & smooth flavours emanating from this whiskey were lost in a powerful alcohol hit.
I was disappointed by the reveal – I really enjoyed the 46% version & thought nothing had been gained by being 60%.
So there you go.
A good clean & simple 40% blend won out over the high strength competitors.
What would your palate pick?
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 