Powers Three Swallow Single Pot Still

I might as well say it from the outset - I'm kind of a Powers fanboy, and a lover of single pot still whiskey in general, so there was no way I wasn't going to enjoy this lovely single pot still offering. The Powers style - rich, oily, round, almost chewy, flavor-forward - is one that I enjoy immensely when I'm in the mood for Irish whiskey. It captures, for me, the quintessential nature of traditional approaches to Irish whiskey making, and I'm here for that. Now, this particular bottling is made up of single pot still whiskey aged mostly in American oak (ex-bourbon, I assume) barrels, with a small, but noticeable, amount of sherry cask aged whiskey present. This leads to a fairly predictable, but tasty, nose and palate with plenty of sweet vanilla, coconut fudge (really blows down those blues...), and spicy cinnamon-clove-nutmeg notes, with just a hint of nuttiness and dried fruits. The mouthfeel is oily and coating, but not as long lived as I might like on the finish, and (not shocking for an NAS), there's a little bit of heat at the very end. At $45, it's not a great value per se, but it's fairly priced. I'm not sure I see this as a step up from Powers Signature, though, which in the same price range feels like a better bargain. Is this going to change your life? Probably not, but it's kind of like a puppy. Who doesn't like puppies? You might not want to take one home, but even the hardest of hearts can't help but be warmed by a cute little puppy running around. This is a puppy. You may not need a bottle (or maybe you do, if this is your thing), but you're a coldhearted bugger indeed if you don't at least enjoy its fun, easygoing character, even if it's not going to replace your Redbreast 15 or Powers Johns Lane or Yellow Spot.

Nose - Crisp and refreshing with scents of fruit including banana, grapefruit and a hint of apple, along with subtle baking spices. Palate - The taste starts out creamy balanced with baking spices and cinnamon, apple, grapefruit and pencil shavings. Finish - The finish is long with granola, nuts and grapefruit balanced with subtle apple sweetness.

Very warm and smooth. I found no harshness in this whiskey.

one note. smooth. a bit sweet. nice warming