Adaminak
Reviewed
March 10, 2015 (edited March 9, 2020)
The nose is rich, heavy with vanilla, then nougat, caramel and unroasted peanuts. The palate is rich, very creamy and full-bodied starting with dark corn syrup and leading to hints of stone fruit before meandering through vanilla to finish with caramel and toffee. While that might sound like a delightful journey, it is somehow lacking; thinner than the nose would lead you to believe, and less substantial than the creamy texture would have you hoping for. The finish is medium-length and sweet, slightly drying and ending with candy corn and cereal on the tongue. This is a good whisky, and very indicative of how far Irish whisky can go. Light enough for an everyday dram, but with just enough depth to be interesting. Right on the edge of exceptional, and all it needs is a bit bigger middle. As is, I feel it's slightly over-hyped, as there are better out there for the same price or less. If you can find it, give it a try.
Tasted as a series, with Tyrconnell Single Malt, Jameson Black Barrel, Jameson 12yr, Redbreast 12yr and Green Spot. Ranking based on flavor from best to worst is Jameson 12yr, Tyrconnell, Redbreast 12yr, Jameson Black Barrel, and Green Spot. When value is factored in, the rank order is Jameson 12yr, Tyrconnell Single Malt, Jameson Black Barrel, Green Spot and Redbreast 12yr."