Keeper's Heart Irish + American Whiskey

N: banana (older, mushy one), acetone P: rye spice, young oak, spearmint F: rye spice, young oak (tanins, astringent) Less viscosity and a shorter finish than the bourbon blend version (which I preferred on this tasting). Love rye spice but not a fan of the harsh, young oak flavors. If there’s a hint of vanilla in there it’s mostly drowned out on this pour. Will see if the 110 proof is better.

N: Fruity and young Irish grain, rye herbs - particularly dill, some baking spice or - dare I say it - pot still spice, so all the component parts are present; green rye grain dominates over time, earthy, herbal, hard swirls release ripe orchard fruit. P: Green rye, dried herbs, dill, anise, cooked banana, fruit and cream (but bathed in dill and other herbs), touch of heat. F: Dried herbs, dill, dried flowers, pine, oak. Similar to the Irish + Bourbon release, the idea here intrigued me. But, unlike the bourbon blend, a blend of Irish grain, single pot still, and rye brought about much more curiosity than a sincere thought there could be potential here. In the end, I'm somewhat encouraged by the potential, but leave feeling the component parts - and especially the rye - just aren't very good. It all feels like muddled mixed drink fare to me - too strong in some places, too weak in others, no sense of balance that could have conceivably been brought about with the right blend. In other words, this is harsh, young, not particularly good rye with a little Irish thrown in for good measure (and/or good marketing). Wouldn't do this again and can't recommend it - you'd be better off trying to make your own blend if the concept appeals to you. ____________ Please come join an unofficial Distiller community on Discord (now one whole year old!): https://discord.gg/4nfePCdyKM. We chat spirits (and other things) in real time while being a great resource to each other for recommendations, finding deals, and generally enjoying the journey together. (If the link is expired - it shouldn't be - please post a comment and I will gladly and usually quickly provide a new one.)

Floral nose. There is some sweetness like Swedish Fish candies mixed with baking spices. The finish is medium and warm. Not bad.

Herbal, tea, shortbread