Tastes

Non-descript sweet darker fruit and an almost flowery nose goes to a tingly malt sweetness on the front of the palate. From the mid-palate back the barrel shines through with a woody bitterness and a spiciness that lingers long after the swallow

Clean sweet grain and vanilla with a hint of something tropical on the nose (banana leaf?) that gives way to candy sweetness and light apple and toffee notes on the palate. The barrel note at the end almost suggests a tiny hint of peat, which was a surprise but not unpleasant. Obtained at Bru's Public House in Carrboro, NC

Malty toffee and savory nose that transfers to the palate, accompanied with light smoky peat and barrel bitterness that sticks around pretty long considering it's a modest 86 proof. The 15 is distinctly more woody than the 12, and so finishes a bit drier. If that's your thing, it's a recommended pour.

A little richer and sweeter than I expected for a rye, but delicious nonetheless. Spice shows itself mid palate and grows through the finish, that lingers nicely considering the 90 proof.

Sweet light grassy note that's present and tasty on the front and mid palate, but at 80 proof it doesn't linger long. A bit thin as a result, but enjoyable nonetheless!

Redbreast 12 cranked to 11. Sweet bready lightness that's super flavorful and doesn't drop off on the finish. Quintessential Irish whiskey at a proof that can't be ignored.

Fruit on the nose gives way to a generic but not unpleasant shortbread sweetness. Light barrel bitterness on the finish. Capable but not special

Decently oily mouthfeel, and more oaky than a lot of Irish whiskeys I've had, maybe because it's double distilled? A bit of woody spice on the finish, with the oak it finishes drier and less sweet than a lot of Irish offerings. Bold and tasty

Wonderful medicinal iodine, ashy smoke and peat heft that works with the light fruit and shortbread of Irish whiskey just as well as with any Scotch I've ever tried. There's a youthful note to the whiskey, but with this peat, it's truly inconsequential. If you like peaty Scotch you will like this offering. Very, very enjoyable