Púca Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 40%

The mischievous spirits of Púca Irish Whiskey made a welcome return to the shelves of Aldi.

In addition to the original blend, a single pot still variety has appeared.

Light golden brown in colour, I found a sweet malt biscuity aroma greeting me.

Soft & smooth mouthfeel leading to a flourish of signature single pot still spice livening up the finish.

Very pleasant.

You’ll have to move fast to catch these elusive spirits however.

Only 2 were left on the shelf of my local Aldi!

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All images taken by Whiskey Nut in the local Aldi.

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Kyasuku Cask Reserve, 40%, World Whisky

Japanese Whisky is in the news.

Primarily for the massive growth & increasing popularity experienced internationally.

Secondly for labelling.

Every dog on the street knows Japanese Whisky can contain whisky distilled in some other country.

This has never put me off.

I enjoy whisky – wherever it’s from – and look forward to tasting the results of Japanese blending & maturation.

Kyasuku Cask Reserve – available in yer local Aldi – is clearly labelled as ‘ World Whisky Matured & Blended In Japan’.

No issues there then!

It also says it’s finished in Mizunara Casks – which makes it very exciting!

I couldn’t wait to try it!

Reassuringly pale in colour.

Getting a sweet, intense floral bouquet with a touch of woody depth on the nose.

Very soft & smooth on the palate – much like many malts.

A gentle oaky spice – Mizunara is Japanese Oak – slowly grows along with a lip smacking juiciness on a luscious long lasting finish.

Kyasuku is a very engaging & highly entertaining blend packed full of fascinating & enticing flavours.

Top marks to Aldi for sourcing this easily affordable & eminently approachable slice of Japanese blending & maturation prowess.

Sláinte

All images authors own.

A Charred Cask & 3 Stout Cask Whiskey, 40% to 46%

Continuing my exploration of the fantastically affordable Dundalgan range from Lidl is their Charred Cask Blend.

Lidl Ireland whiskey choices 2020 c/othewhiskeynut

I also happened to have Jameson’s Stout Cask Blend – so thought a comparison with Dundalgan’s Stout & what was left of Teeling’s Stout would make a lovely quartet to compare & contrast.

Not being a blind tasting does somewhat colour the experience – but this is what I found.

Dundalgan Charred Cask c/othewhiskeynut

Dundalgan Charred Cask, Blend, 40%

Such an expressive nose!

Those rich vanillas & caramels I expect from a decent bourbon cask matured whiskey were clearly evident.

Fairly mild & mellow on the palate – the vanillas giving a touch of grainy sweetness – before a hearty prickliness is experienced on the rear.

This charred cask is better than I remember it!

New vs Old c/othewhiskeynut

Perhaps it’s not only the label that’s had an update?

Jameson Stout c/othewhiskeynut

Jameson Caskmates, Stout Edition, Blend, 40%

You could say this is the original beer barrel aged whiskey – and it’s certainly been a big success – as well as spawning many others.

The colour was noticeably darker than the other 2 stouts & on par with the Charred Cask – a deep golden brown.

A honeyed rich caramel nose.

Well rounded mouthfeel – definitely smooth – with entertaining notes from the stout influence coming through towards the finish.

No sharp edges here – nice easy drinking with added flavour.

Dundalgan Stout c/othewhiskeynut

Dundalgan Stout Edition, Single Malt, 42%

As well as being lighter in colour – I found the nose cleaner & fresher.

The palate is single malt mellow – with a touch of sharpness leaving lip smacking flavours dancing off the tongue.

I believe this offering benefits from non chill filtering, natural colouring & a slightly higher ABV.

Teeling Stout c/othewhiskeynut

Teeling Galway Bay Stout Cask, Blend, 46%

The extra ABV kicks in with a spirity nose.

A lovely interaction of coffee like stout notes interplay with fresh sweet grain on the palate.

There’s a bit of a punch on the finish – but the flavours still delight.

Conclusions?

So how to pick a winner?

Tricky!

I’m gonna discount the Teeling as it’s twice the price & the extra ABV could be challenging.

‘Tis enjoyable though!

Jameson is dropped too – the richness & smoothness appeals to many – but I’m looking for a tad more oomph.

So it’s down to the Dundalgans.

For sheer affordability, simplicity of flavour & entertaining delivery – I think the Dundalgan Charred Cask wins the day!

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Asda, Superior White Rum, 37.5%

It’s funny how much the world has changed.

Instead of physically going down to the shops & picking our whiskey off the shelves – it’s computer clicks & courier calls.

That’s why I got excited about Aldi’s Púca Whiskey.

Not in Athlone! c/oAldi

Alas there was no show in my local store!

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.

Sean drinking whiskey. c/oSuntory

So on to Plan B.

Supermarket Rum.

Asda Superior White Rum c/othewhiskeynut

Purchased traveling South through the North during the heady days of summer when we were free to roam around the Emerald Isle.

A relatively plain & simple yet pleasing bottle.

A very attractive price – £11 – yet on tasting – superb!

This is everything I expect from a white rum.

Pleasing aromas of sweet funk on the nose.

A deliciously oily mouthfeel that coats the palate with sweet, heavy funky fruit.

All wrapped up with a characterful prickly peppery spice.

Tried it, Loved it! c/othewhiskeynut

The Púca may have alluded me – but Asda’s White Rum is seriously pukka!

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