NLea
Rúa American Single Malt
American Single Malt — North Carolina, USA
Reviewed
May 4, 2020 (edited October 24, 2021)
I want to start by saying that this is an extremely bias 5/5 score. I love the marketing, the distillery, the bottle shape, the color of the whiskey. I love everything about it not involved with the actual liquid inside. But since this is a whiskey review page, and I really like the taste as well, I will review the liquid. The nose is on the younger side, with a strong malt sourness that is surrounded by gentle, sweeter, more complex notes. The nose presents as creamy vanilla with an overarching sweetness that lingers between caramel and granulated sugar. Hidden underneath is a pecan nuttiness. The taste adds a nice toastiness and spice that isn't on the nose but takes away some of the vanilla. The finish adds in the oak, lingering sweetness, and a cocoa powder dryness (that reminds me of a four roses product if that helps anyone).
35.0
USD
per
Bottle
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Great description. I bought a bottle and have yet to review it. Everything you said rings true, although I'm going to have to revisit it to see if I can pick up the Four Roses-esque note on the finish. Very nice stuff!
@1901 the Rúa is the best of the bunch. The Drumlish is very good, though. Especially for an unaged spirit.
@BDanner thanks for the extra info. Is the Rua the best of the bunch? There should be no legal barriers I don’t think but I expect it’s a big deal logistically for a craft distillery.
@1901 The founder of the distillery (Oliver Mulligan) is Irish. In addition to the excellent Rúa, they also produce a very good unaged Irish Spirit (Poteen) called "Drumlish" that is named after the area where his grandfather was charged with three counts of manufacturing illegal spirits. The barrel aged version is named Quinn's in honor of dear old Grand Dad. They also make a couple good vodkas (Bán and Salamander). I think I read recently that he was working to make it available in Ireland, but no idea if that is an actual option with laws, etc. as they exist.
Nice review. Despite the name (and some other Irish links I believe) I haven’t yet seen this pop up this side of the Atlantic. I know it’s one you rate @BDanner so I hope I do get that chance one day.
Nice Review. I agree with everything you stated about the distillery, etc. Just a great American Craft Whiskey all around. A lot of craft stuff delivers on the packaging, etc., but Rùa delivers on the whiskey as well.