Tastes

On the nose this spirit hangs in there with the Islay masters. Unfortunately, the experience is too fleeting after the first tipple, confirming this peat addict's apprehensions of maturity. Also, the Oloroso influence requires too much concentration to be easily enjoyed. I'm sure ten more years of the angel's siphoning will make this young distillery's whiskies truly great. I'm already marking my calendar. :)

Introduced to this whiskey at Portstewart Golf Club, Northern Ireland, back in Sept. 2016. Admittedly, the mystical experience of playing this majestic masterpiece, and host of the 2017 Irish Open, may have prejudiced my sensibilities, but I found the spirit to be quite likable. This young distillery started as an aging and finishing agent of whiskies acquired elsewhere, but now has a new facility scheduled to open in 2017. For me, this double barrel offering lacked the sweetness often associated with a blended Irish whiskey, and was more reminiscent of a dry Scottish highlander. The spirit imparts a fruitiness that complements well with elements of vanilla and almond. All in all, this portends a bright future for a concern founded by 5 friends with a dream. I may have rated it higher, save for the spirit's fuzzy heritage.

Pleasant enough, but the combination of whiskies in this creation seem mutually exclusive. Not recommended for someone trying to satisfy a daily peatiness quota.

My first love and one I will never forget. An occasional rendezvous is not only permitted, but also recommended.

A recent Xmas gift. Very seductive in my class of likable. A real virtue tester.