I do love a miniature gift pack.

Especially one coming from ‘the largest wholly owned distillery in the country of Ireland’.
West Cork Distillers are a powerhouse of Irish Whiskey. They produce their own branded whiskey range – as well as supplying many a supermarket own label – as in this Dundalgan Gift Pack for Lidl – and several other non-distillery Irish Whiskey brands too.
I enjoy the opportunity a miniature pack gives to explore the diversity of range & styles available at a single setting.

My encounters with Dundalgan started back in 2018 & have continued ever since. I admire their evolution both in terms of label design & tweaking of product from batch to batch.
Without further ado – here’s what I found.

Dundalgan Blended Irish Whiskey, 40%
This entry level blend has always delivered the goods. An easy going vanilla & caramel nose, pleasant soft mouthfeel with a little kick on the finish.
A benchmark Irish Whiskey blend.

Dundalgan Charred Cask, Blend, 40%
Given an additional finish in charred casks has imbued this whiskey with a darker hue – along with added richness & warmth. Smoother on the palate there’s enhanced depth with a touch of spice on the rear.
Nice.

Dundalgan Stout Cask, Single Malt, 42%
The first of a trio of single malts featuring different cask finishes. The Stout Cask offers up an almondy nutty nose. Soft yet rich on the palate, a prickly tingling on the rear no doubt added to by the extra 42% presentation.

Dundalgan IPA Cask, Single Malt, 42%
I’m not a fan of IPA in craft beer – but in whiskey it does add a light fruitiness to the palate with a hint of bitterness on the rear.
A refreshing contrast to the other offerings.

Dudalgan Sherry Cask, Single Malt, 42%
You could say – along with the Blended Whiskey – this is the most traditional offering in the portfolio. A soft easy nose segues into a mild & gentle palate topped off with a dry spice on the rear.
Well balanced.
Thoughts
Regardless of your palate preferences there’s a Dundalgan to suit all – although I’m still holding out for a smoky version myself!
Given that all these whiskey are presented with natural colouring & non chill filtered at an affordable price they offer an impressive array of flavours.
My choice steers me towards the honest simplicity of Blended Irish Whiskey & the refreshing lightness of IPA Cask.
Which ones would you have chosen?
Sláinte

West Cork Distillers website here.