A delightful release from Kilbeggan that is matured in three different cask types (Bourbon, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, and American Oak). This premium blend delivers a characterful Irish whiskey with rich notes of summer fruits and vanilla, leading into an oak spice finish. We sourced this one for approx. $65 CAD.
Bottled at 43% abv.
Pictured on the right below:
This was just a great flavourful whiskey! Well done a nice easy drinker with a little punch of dry sweetness. Thanks for a nice affordable whiskey from Kilbeggan!
As part of our March triple tasting we dove into a “brand new to the club” whisky from Waterford. The Waterford Organic Single Malt whisky is an all organic offering that is branded as single farm origin.
From Waterford website:
“Using 100% Irish barley, widely considered to be the world’s finest, our Single Farm Origin series is an uber-provenance range of limited edition natural whiskies that explore Irish terroir one farm, one place, at a time. They are expressions of precision and rarity, showcasing barley flavours derived from individual Irish farms and harvests.”
Quite the interesting distillery, but sadly during our research about this bottling we’ve learned they have closed down. It appears that they are still selling of the remainder of their inventory, and will continue to use up the any previously distilled whisky in future releases. Good news for those who might be looking to try this one out. You still have time!
Pictured below on the left hand side:
Sadly I didn’t take many notes on the whisky, but I have to leave the reader with this; it was one of the most unique Irish whiskies I’ve ever tried. Very smooth, earthy with some cereal sweetness. Backed by a nice lingering mouth feel. Worth a try as we sourced the bottle for approx. $90 CAD. Very reseasonable for a unique Irish Single malt whisky. What a great way to kick of March!
Introducing our Midleton Very Rare 2023 Vintage Release
Since 1984, each Master Distiller of Midleton Very Rare uses their eye for detail, their passion for quality whiskey and their exemplary skill to create the pinnacle of Irish whiskey—our special vintage release.
The latest chapter of this renowned collection is adorned with the signature of our Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman. After months of exploration, O’Gorman crafted a balanced blend of rare and hand-selected single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys from Midleton’s exclusive inventory to create this truly special release.
Matured in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels, the Midleton Very Rare 2023 Vintage Release delights with decadent flavours and a tantalising aroma. The aroma, taste and finish of this whiskey will enliven the palates of those new to this collection while taking the seasoned whiskey collector on a journey through an exciting exploration of taste.
Notes courtesy of Middleton’s website. Unfortunately our notes and details we not properly recorded during our March tasting session as we got a little out of control in the name of celebrating St. Patricks’ Day!
ABV 40%
Aroma: Opens with an intricate medley of fruits including nectarines, ripe melon, green apple, and apricot. A solid foundation of pot still spices, showcasing notes of freshly peeled ginger and crushed peppercorns, work in tandem with the aged grain’s perfumed notes of dried flowers and delectable golden syrup. The oak continues to reveal itself, adding notes of vanilla, combined with a honeycomb sweetness and freshly roasted coffee beans.
Taste: Luscious at first with succulent fruits and a distinctive creaminess along with a herbal quality akin to camomile tea. The pot still spices add depth and intrigue as they weave amongst the floral grain qualities found lingering throughout. The charred oak’s influence continues to build over time creating additional complexity as the wood-derived spices complement the ever-present fruits of candied orange and dried apricot.
Finish: The fruits and pot still spices build to a crescendo before giving way, leaving the final say to the oak tannins and antique grain whiskey.
Verdict: If you are in the market for a truly exceptional high end Irish whiskey tasting experience,than this is your bottle. Just wow! Certainly worth it on all accounts.
It’s March! In celebration of St. Patricks Day month our whisky ambassador Chad made a few fantastic Irish whiskey choices for the month. Up first is an expression from JJ Corry called the “Hanson”. It’s availble at the LCBO for $99.15.
I’d recommend taking a tour of JJ Corry’s website for their extensively detailed story behind the “Hanson”.
Blended Irish whiskies from around Ireland aged from 5-11 years, bottled at 46% ABV.
Nose: Rich and deep notes of vanilla fudge and toasted coconut speak of the bourbon influence. Top notes of griddled pineapple and lime give a fresh zing.
Palate: A lively start with bright, green apples, toasted coconut continuing from the nose. The influence of fresh oak is clear; with rye grass developing to lemon grass.
