Killowen Dalriadan part 1

The Dalriadan is a blend of 40% double distilled peated malt from the Caol Ila Distillery aged entirely in ex-bourbon Hogsheads and 60% 11-year-old malt from County Antrim, Northern Ireland (most likely Bushmills) that was then finished for three years in Oloroso butts before being bottled at 57.5%. The nose starts with a mix of bacon wrapped dates, soft powdered sugar covered citrus fruits and a light sea breeze then a creamy vanilla pudding followed by tangy barbecue sauced short ribs, stewed apples, orange blossom and champagne that transitions to ginger, cloves, and charred sourdough bread with high ethanol burn. The taste is a rich and creamy mouthfeel starting with a mild bitter spice that quickly fades to with a mix of grilled shrimp, soft powdered sugar covered citrus fruits and a light sea salt then a creamy vanilla pudding and chocolate covered figs followed by tangy barbecue sauced short ribs, apple tart, orange blossom and brut champagne that transitions to ginger, cloves, and charred sourdough bread with high ethanol burn. The finish is long with tangy barbecue sauced short ribs, baked stuffed clams, creamy orange gelato, dark chocolate covered raisins and charred sourdough bread. Wow, what an incredible combination of Islay and Ireland that brings in bold flavors of barbecued meats, seafood, citrus and bready notes with a near perfect balance, but has a slight bitterness and sourness from the younger spirit that prevents it from being perfect. Still this is a hell of a whisky that shows a lot of promise for what Killowen is capable of and a huge thank you to @PBMichiganWolverine for sharing this treat with me.

Wow, this is good. And I’m not saying that because I’ve not had a drink since 3 weeks. A few orthodontic surgeries mandated I stay away from whiskey. As it is, I have only 1 pour a week anyway. I had a small pour of this, and was really amazed. So, this is a 11 year Caol Ila matured in bourbon cask, blended with a 11 year Bushmill, at 40/60 percentage, and then further rested in Oloroso ( not sure for how long). Nose is fresh lemons and a wisp of smoke. But the palette comes alive with smoke and sweet mangos and apricots. The smoke is like cigar…ashy. But that balance of sweet fruits and smoke is amazing. I only had a small 3cl pour, but I’ll be looking for a bottle…seems hard to find though. Highly recommended, if you can find a bottle.