Kirkinriola Single Cask Series
Canadian Island Triple Distilled Potstill Whisky
Carefully crafted in premium recharged Portuguese red wine Barrique
46% ABV
$130
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We would like to thank Macaloney’s Island Distillery for sending us a sample to review.
What the Distillery Says
This island whisky is from our triple distilled single potstill range – triple distilled using only the best unmalted and malted barley available. The patient, yet purposeful, triple distillation produces a complex, layered and balanced new-make spirit. Dr. Swan described our original new-make which trickles off our copper pot stills as “the best that I have tasted in any distillery at this stage, super fruity.” This triple-distillate is even smoother and fruitier!
This single cask series, Kirkinriola (pronounced ‘kirk-in-riola’), is our connoisseurs / collector’s single-cask edition. Like the passionate, spirited Ulster-Scots, it is an ever-changing series of triple-distilled potstill expressions based on unique one-off single casks, or other special selections. With individually numbered bottles, it is sought after by those who appreciate fine whisky.
A wonderfully complex nose with apricot, papaya, pears, honey, oats, brandied fruitcake, natural caramel, red wine and oak wood. The palate is creamy and full bodied with cereal and a symphony of floral and fruit notes including roses, honey, nectarine, papaya, apricot, apples and candied orange. Layered into this are red wine, blackcurrant, wood spices with a lingering oak finish and a hit of sea breeze.
What Gary Says
Nose: Thick, pipe tobacco, fruity with plums, apricots, pears, earthy red wine, nutmeg and a hint of maple syrup.
Palate: Creamy, viscous and thick with intense stewed fruits including apricot, soft citrus notes, honey, tobacco, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Finish: Moderately long and damp with honey, soft oak and currants.
Comments: Absolutely delicious! Intense flavor and a unique profile. This is by far my favorite of the first three Macaloney’s Island Distillery samples I’m reviewing (there will be two more reviews coming later!). I love the earthy/tobacco notes which remind me of a nice single malt scotch whisky with thoughtful cask management. Simply throwing whiskies from different casks together does not always work, and the layers and balance here is really nice. For only a few dollars more than the Kildara or Killeigh – I’d go for this over those every time. As the single cask series may have different casks, make sure you read the label/box as it may not be the same as I’ve reviewed here.