Tastes

Much the same as the Small Batch, just turned up to 11. This works to its benefit. The flavors are melded more tightly into each other, and the cogeners have more leeway on the palate.

Prickly rye spikes from the get-go. But, what makes this intriguingly different from the majority of rye whiskies, is the sherry cask staves really cutting through and adding a hefty dose of grape. This may not be for everyone, but it defintiely works. Surprisingly, even at 105 proof, this is a very approachable spirit that has an autumnal character.

Surprisingly, the Cabernet adds a rich lushness to the spirit, without much fruit. There’s an almost creaminess to this whiskey that is extremely approachable. It’s only at the tail end of the tasting that the wine character winks hello. An excellent expression.

Breakfast in a glass. Corn flakes and rye toast are at the forefront. The staves add a sharpness only slightly tempered by the sweetness of the sherry. A solid performer.

A remarkable Irish. Take each of the best qualities of classic uisce beatha, than mulitply them several times. A warm, welcoming entry of lightly sweet malt with a light touch of Moscatel indicates the direction of the spirit. A medium body, with a smooth and mellow mid-range, highlighted with a tender caress of oak, and a loving embrace from the wine casks. The finish is fairly long, ending with light vine fruit. A testament to time, the skill of blender, and the craft of the distiller.

Our initial impression is of a solid, somewhat heavy bodied and self assured whiskey. The blend of two styles of spirit creates a bookend of lows and highs on the palate. Rich and deep malt, is counterbalanced by the light and whispy single grain. Even with the single grain adding brightness, there is a sense of venerability rarely found in typical expressions. Lastly, the ex-brandy cask aging adds just a light brushing of dry, yet fruity coloration. This is a very well done whiskey that should please any lover of Irish.

An interesting nose of brown sugar, caramel, toffee and most intriguingly, fresh cut cedarwood. Imagine the scent of a sugary candy sampler served on a cedar platter. The initial taste again pushes sweet, but also has a woody dryness with notes of dark chocolate, preserved cherry, praline, and young cigar tobacco. Overall, it is medium bodied with a rich dessert-like quality. The finish is long, with a smooth and gradual fadeout. Of the various Barrel Proof releases that the Larceny program has done over the past few years, this one ranks in our top three.

The nose presents corn, apple, and some light baking spices. The oak is somewhat shy, and seems a bit young, while the flavor profile again has that apple quality, along with some vanilla, honey and cinnamon sugar. There’s a kind of young-vs-old tug of war going on, in which the age of the chosen casks seem to rise and then recede within the blend. This is not a bad thing, but the overall effect is of two to three whiskies, rather than one cohesive spirit. The finish has a bit of heat, but ends on a pleasant citrus note. Overall, this is a unique whiskey that gives us a glimpse into a long lost art of blending. Try this in a Mint Julep for a bit of refreshment on St. Paddy’s Day.