This whiskey is independently bottled through the Celtic Whiskey Shop. “An Chéad Bhlás” means “First Taste” as this is the first small batch of The Celt which is a no-age statement, sherry cask-finished single malt from an undisclosed Irish distiller. The nose is a peculiar but unattractive amalgam of dried fruit and fire. I get raisins, prune juice, maple syrup, singeing leather, wood and rubber. Figs, sourdough, grape skin and pepper are evident on the palate, but overshadowed by an off-putting tannic salinity. The finish remains tannic, but goes further south with the unwelcome addition of slightly sour milk and a metallic twang. To be fair it hits some notes there that I’ve rarely experienced in a whiskey, but dear God no!