Egan’s Single Malt Irish Whiskey Aged 10 Years
47% ABV
$50
Website
What the Bottler Says:
While bourbon and Scotch get more press, Irish whiskeys have quietly become the fastest growing, barrel-aged spirit in America. They’re accessible, highly aromatic and loaded with an abundance of palate pleasing flavors. In addition, years of steadily increasing popularity have not significantly driven up their price, thus keeping them relative bargains.
Among the brands fanning the category’s popularity is recent arrival EGAN’S SINGLE MALT IRISH WHISKEY. Although new to the U.S. market, the whiskey can hardly be referred to as an overnight success. It actually represents a legacy of nearly 160 years. The founders established their firm on Bridge Street in the heart of Tullamore, County Offaly.
“For our initial foray into the American market we’ve selected a single malt that’s been barrel-aged for 10 years and bottled at 47% alcohol (94 proof),” says Jonathan Egan, 6th generation owner. “We firmly believe it to be one of the finest Irish single malts on the market. After a few minutes left alone with our whiskey, we’re confident that malt enthusiasts and aficionados will become lifelong fans.”
While I can’t speak for others, I’m convinced he’s right. The Egan’s Single Malt is bottled non-chill filtered, which leaves it unaltered and in full possession of its character. The whiskey has a fetching golden/amber appearance, a light, silky textured body and a generous fruit and malt bouquet. The longer you allow it to breath and fully oxygenate in the glass, the more of its engaging aromas will come forward. Egan’s has a slightly warm entry that quickly expands, filling the mouth with flavors of honey, malt, cranberries, apples and a bevy of baking spices. The long, dry finish reveals the added flavors of caramel and baking spices. With a price tag of under $50, it’s a virtual steal. Kudos
What Richard Says:
Nose: For a 10 Year old Cooley product the nose on this is more barrel forward. That lighter, grassy fresh, crisp apple Irish nose tucks itself way in the back behind the barrel.
Palate: Light, crisp, and fairly drinkable. I read somewhere that a fellow was referring to some of these rebranded Cooley malts as “relabeled Tyrconnell” or something to that effect. That’s fairly on par. I find this base whiskey to be unoffensive and fairly drinkable. However, in and of itself it does not leave much to bring you around for another go.
Finish: A little hotter than you would expect for an Irish whiskey of this age. It leaves you with impressions of wet wood and industrial solvents.
Comments: Meh. If this was $30 to $35 I would say average for a reasonably priced 10 year old Irish whiskey. Approaching $50 (and fortunately Matt bought this on sale) it’s an easy pass. There are a lot of whiskeys I would rather spend $50 on.
Rating: Probably Pass