I’ve taken to hosting ‘Whiskey By The Water’ tasting evenings in one of my local bars.
The water being the Shannon & the bar Sean’s.
It’s a way of sharing my growing drinks cabinet that would be folly of me to consume on my own.
Old Horseshoe is an Aldi brand from an un-named source.
The 70 Proof is a throwback to the Sikes system of alcohol strength as used in the UK until the 1980’s – they might yet go back to it after leaving Europe.
Deep brown in colour with viscous legs.
I’m getting a classic high-rye bourbon style of nose from Old Horseshoe – very reminiscent of Four Roses.
The publicity is slick, contemporary, very active on social media & appears to target a demographic & culture of bling that wouldn’t include myself.
That’s Jatt Life.
Jatt Life info
There’s little information on the bottle – but tasting & enjoying the contents is my motivation.
That’s Jatt Life.
A lovely rich nose redolent of succulent dark fruits complemented by hints of woody oak.
The mouthfeel is deep & luxurious.
More woody spice comes through leaving a dry tingling on the long finish.
That’s Jatt Life.
Often virgin oak maturation can be quite aggressive – but additional finishing with sherry oak has introduced a wonderful luscious rich fruity interplay.
That’s Jatt Life.
Enjoying Jatt Life
A very engaging & characterful blend.
Congratulations to Jatt Life – expanding the Irish Whiskey category.
Continuing my miniature rum exploration are 2 previously unknown offerings.
Cut To The Smoke c/othewhiskeynut
Cut To The Smoke, 40%
Cut Rum are distributed by ProofDrinks in the UK & To The Smoke claims to be the first smokey rum on the market.
I had to give it a go!
Rich dark brown appearance. Burnt toffee kind of nose. Enticing!
Soft, easy & smooth. Develops a lovely umami meatiness – like a honey glazed roast topped with spicy seasoning.
An entertaining little number!
Pott 40 c/othewhiskeynut
Pott Rum 40, 40%
Pott Rum 40 has German writing on the label & I’m assuming originates from a ‘rumhandelshaus’ there.
Lighter shade of brown. Soft hint of funk.
A luxurious mouth coating envelops the palate in dark molassey depth topped off with gentle spice & fruity funk.
Nice!
Tasty duo c/othewhiskeynut
This duo are exemplars for the world trade in rum.
You may not know the distillery of origin, country or even marks used in the make up of these rums – but goodness – they are both highly enjoyable drinking experiences.
I’d gladly explore other offerings from both the Cut & Pott Rum ranges!
Tequila appears to be the new ‘in thing’ with rising sales across the world.
Moving beyond the salt-lemon-tequila shot of yore are more upmarket brands made using 100% agave that can be appreciated neat for the pleasing flavours within.
Tequila in a Tuath c/othewhiskeynut
1800 Tequila is one of those brands.
Available in supermarkets across the UK & more specialist outlets in Ireland – 1800 is presented in an attractively designed bottle that catches the eye.
The contents pleased my palate too!
Tequila miniature c/othewhiskeynut
This Silver variety – unaged tequila – exhibits a rich earthy & vegetal agave nose coupled with a luxurious mouthfeel topped off with those signature cracked pepper spices on the finish.
Happily receiving amazon.co.uk vouchers over the festive season I rushed to place some orders in the hopes they’d get through before Brexit kicked in.
Many Irish based whiskey fans use UK online sites to source product not normally available in Ireland & there had been warnings this could be in jeopardy after Britain left the EU.
My orders would test this new reality.
A few choices were simply rejected.
The computer says no! c/oamazon
So my search narrowed from the start.
A mixed bag of affordable spirits eventually made my basket.
Update!!! On January 4th 2022 Ireland implemented a Minimum Unit Pricing policy on alcohol. The minimum price for a 37.5% rum in 700ml bottles will now be around €21.
There’s some tasty bargains to be had for under €20 – if you’re prepared to explore.
Contrary to popular myths these supermarket offerings certainly don’t all taste the same – and nor are they short on flavour either!
Today’s comparison are 3 White Rums currently available from 3 large multiples across Ireland.
All are presented at 37.5% ABV with minimal information as regards distillery of origin or processes used.
Old Hopking from Aldi, ‘Bottled In Germany’, failed to excite me.
A floral nose – reminiscent of gin – put me off & the taste was rather bland too.
JG Kinsey from Dunnes, ‘Bottled In The UK’ with ‘Imported Caribbean Rum’ impressed.
A soft funky aroma followed through on the palate with a pleasing peppery finish.
Liberté from Lidl & ‘The Réunion’ proved enticing.
An impressive fruity funk flowed through both the nose & palate finishing of with a joyful prickliness.
For elegantly displaying the essence of rum, Liberté is my winner – with JG Kinsey a close 2nd.
I’d happily buy both again.
You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a tasty rum!
Real whiskey geeks across the world are already booking their holidays & planning trips to coincide with an array of whiskey events that take place throughout the year globally.
I’ve been to a few of these events – and thoroughly recommend them.
Why?
A room full of whiskey for you to sample. Often staffed by the people that make it. Whiskies you’ve never even heard of or can’t afford to buy.
A room full of fellow whiskey enthusiasts. Chat, compare, contrast. Conversation is easy with like-minded folks.
A room full of tasty food pairings & bottled water. It’s bad form to get too drunk so keep well fed & hydrated.
And a room full of whiskey knowledge, whiskey talks & whiskey tales that would take a lifetime to amass on your own steam.
Need any more reasons?
Below is a short itinerary of shows around the world I’ve either been to – or would like to attend.
Looking forward to bumping into you at one of them!
January
Well it’s a bit late now – but Burns Night on 25th January is an annual celebration of the Scottish Poet accompanied with whiskey & haggis! There are many local events held throughout the world. Check press for details.
Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fair kicks off Dublin’s events. Although mainly craft beer – there are a smattering of distilleries showing. The main item this year will be the imminent opening of The Pearse Lyons Distillery in the Liberties. By the way – Pearse Lyons is a Dublin born business man who happens to be the founder & president of Alltech.
March
With low-cost airlines making a trip across to the UK affordable – I’m tempted by Whisky Birmingham. It’s only a stones throw away but from previous knowledge the range of whisky on offer is often different from that available in Ireland. That’s what I’m hoping for anyway – as well as an opportunity to see how a whisky club manages to put on a big show!
April
Whisky Live bills itself as ‘The Worlds Premier Whisky Tasting Show’ and is a global event taking place in prestigious venues across the globe throughout the year.
The Whisky Live roadshow continues it’s global reach down under in Sydney on 5th to 6th May and Canberra on 26th to 27th May. I managed to catch the Melbourne show last year.
June
Bloom is all about gardening – but there was a fabulous beer & whiskey tent last year!
Whiskey In Summer is a new event to Dublin on 30th June. I’ve teamed up with them to secure 3 Whiskey & Food tickets for only 13 euro each. Contact me if you would like to join myself & others in attending this new show.
July
If you want fabulous whisky in a fabulous setting – Whisky Live Hobart is the place to be! Award winning whiskies & stunning scenery.
August
The 21st International Berlin Beer Festival sounds like a fun event – and it’s free!
September
The Irish Craft Beer Festival has some whiskey stalls too. A wonderful array of craft beer & whiskey for all tastes. Great craic! 7th to 9th September.
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 