What the hell is this dark horse? The website no longer exists, and it most certainly isn't a single malt (as stated on the front label, despite who put in this entry), but has no evidence anywhere to differentiate single grain versus blended grain. There's so many flavor sources here, and I'm not sure how well it will all blend together; the sweetness of bourbon barrels, the dry, polished flavor of virgin oak, then an undisclosed amount of peated malt in an even further unknown mash bill seems bold, to say the least. It doesn't necessarily scream "premium," and it isn't a good image for the Irish so far, but this was a gift from one of my favorite wine and spirits enthusiasts, so for that I am grateful no matter the outcome. The color is pale and basic, but still closer to gold than corn-yellow. The nose leads with a smoky peat, but not overpoweringly so, and also allows notes of sweet corn cereal and something of a savory maltiness as well. The ethanol is just slightly higher than I would expect here, like more around the mid-90 proof line. Looking back at the cask types, all of these barrels are represented and actually DO blend together well on the nose, and so far excite me for what's next. The flavor leads with a medium body, and captures most of the above flavors, albeit not quite as potent or concentrated. The mouth gets surprisingly hot with only a couple sips, but also becomes "chewy" and demands slower dissection over time. The bourbon sweetness is captured more at the finish, whereas sherry notes are found in the center; the virgin oak seems to dry and polish the entire palate all around. The peat smoke is also present all around, but could be slightly more potent in order to cut away from the hot body found through the gum line. Who's to say dark horses can't be winners sometime? After all, Ford proved that by giving us one of the best Mustangs of all time with the same name. Granted, this Irish whiskey is still quite unrefined, which seems to showcase a very commercially focused product that is likely blended and easy to produce, therefore leading to a quick and profitable sale... But hey, it does taste pretty good at the end of the day. MSRP online suggests a cheap price is kind of true, and although I'll likely drink it a fair amount here at home, I don't see me hunting for it or even buying it again, mostly due to the mystery origins and lack of brand support.