Finest Irish Single Malt 22 Years
51.8% ABV
$200
Website
What the Bottler Says
Retro Label The Whisky Exchange Exclusive
Launched at The Whisky Show in 2015, this is a hugely fruity single malt whiskey from Ireland. It doesn’t stop there, with Gummi Bears followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and deep herbal notes – a complex whiskey that was a huge hit at the show.
What Gary Says
Nose: Heather, hay, peat, malt, glazed donut, honey, hint of grapefruit and menthol with earthy/mineral undertones.
Palate: Creamy sweetness with honey, vanilla, sponge cake, bright peat, subtle citrus notes, slightly nutty with hints of vitamins.
Finish: Moderately long, wet with honey and peat.
Comments: Unfortunately the label doesn’t include many details (name, proof, age – that’s it). In scouring the internet, this is likely Cooley distillate based on the flavor profile & age (keeping in mind that the number of Irish single malt distillers that COULD have made this is a very small number!) It is nicely balanced between the sweetness you’d expect from an Irish single malt and the unexpected peat notes. Some water kicks the honey up a notch and tamps the menthol (another note I don’t get often). The vitamin/mineral notes remind me of Dickel in a way (which isn’t to say this tastes like Dickel – it doesn’t; but that vitamin/mineral note is part of what I’d call their “house style”).