Knappogue Castle 12 Year Bourbon Cask Matured

I'm actually on my second bottle of the Total Wine barrel select version of this. I don't know how I haven't reviewed it yet! My buying of a second bottle (a rarity for me, as I like to try new things and rarely re-buy anything except my favorites) is a large indication. I really like that the single barrel selections come in at 92 proof, significantly more respectable than the regular, frankly disappointing 80 proof. Age stated, pot still distilled, and bourbon cask matured? The specs alone are right up my ally. Supposedly sourced from bushmills, but that may have changed. Nose: relatively mellow, with the obvious bourbon derived vanilla and a good bit of hay and graham/malt on the nose as well. An intriguing but not mind blowing open. Palate: A silky mouth-feel is the first thing I notice, followed by a generous amount of very creamy vanilla and sweet graham crackers, almost birthday cake-esque. Then, the pot-still spices hit, bringing a tingling heat of mint and a little pepper. Some fruit pops in an out as well, perhaps green apples? Finish: The pot-still spices linger relatively long, with some vanilla-y oak rounding out the surprisingly long finish, especially for the relatively low proof. Overall: This is a great irish, and I'd definitely say a 'bourbon drinkers' irish. It will not blow your mind, but it always has me saying surprised 'damn that's good' when I absent mindedly take a sip. The 12 point proof increase over many of it's competitors really sets it apart and makes me wonder how other offerings would improve from just a little less dilution. The price, for an age statement and high proof, may well be the best part of the whole dram. $45 is a steal for this product, and I will likely buy a third bottle when my second runs out. Will likely always keep it on the shelf,

Very mellow, fruity, honey and easy drinking.

Great value. Vanilla and brown sugar taste but very balanced.

Honey and light apples on the nose Honey sweetness, shortbread deliciousness

Neat

Minty, tons of bourbon and wood, I would probably enjoy it more in a cocktail, very clean and bright, probably a great Irish whiskey if you like bourbon