Writers’ Tears Red Head
Single Malt Irish Whiskey
46% ABV
$55*
(as of this review, this product isn’t being sold in the United States)
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What the Producer Says
This exquisite, triple-distilled single malt is matured only in select handpicked Spanish sherry butts which have previously been seasoned with the finest Oloroso sherry. It is the influence of these scarce butts that give this expression of Writers’ Tears its signature rich, ruby hue and hence the moniker – ‘Red Head’. The expression is distilled without chill filtering as nature intended and at a distinctive 46% ABV.
Colour: Rich Ruby Red
Nose: Orange peel, dried fruits and sherry plums
Taste: Nutty Oloroso, Spicy Raisins and creamy oak
Finish: Long and wonderfully complex with a flourish of orange. An unhurried journey.
What Gary Says
Nose: Orange blossom, malty cereal/grain, hints of cherry, raisins, oak.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, dark fruit sweetness with cinnamon and pepper spice, just a hint of orange.
Finish: Moderately long with cinnamon and orange zest with fading pepper spice.
Comments: The nose screams young whiskey, with the grainy/cereal notes. I do appreciate the ABV and non-chill filtering, which help given the likely young age of the whiskey. The finish is longer than I’d expect as at this age. I’d love to try some older version of this, but at the end of the day – this is a pretty tasty and dangerously easy to drink whiskey.