I am glad to have a new Irish whiskey I've not sampled before available for a quick review! This sample comes from the ever lovely Laura, better known as @lelelele29 from the whiskey community. Enjoy the photos she has included of her bottle below!
Note that I only got to try this twice, instead of my usual preferred 3 that is laid out in my editorial policy. In true "pocket sized review" fashion, I aim to keep this short and sweet, so let's dive in!
Company on Label: Tyrconnell (Kilbeggan Distilling Import Company)
Whiskey Type: Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Mash Bill Percentages: 100% malted barley
Proof: 92°
Age: 16 year
Further identification: This release spends a lengthy time in used bourbon barrels before being bottled and released at an MSRP around $90-100
Nose: Cold coffee leads the way upon raising the glass to the nose. Delicate grapefruit sits atop a linen tablecloth in an old, wooden cabin. Hints of salinity suggest a proximity to the ocean and round, soft smoke emanates from a nearby fireplace. Subtle florality creeps into the glass late. The empty glass offers a mental transportation into the rocky outcrops of the higher reaches of tall ridges, where small patches of mountain laurel have endured the hardship of life at elevation.
Palate: Well that's certainly a malt-forward Irish whiskey. My first sip is earthy and buttery, but quickly falls a bit flat. It's not overly sweet as bitter dark chocolate, salted caramel, and soft sugar cookie develop. In an interesting surprise late in the glass, I find something akin to greasy metal gears with some linen nearby, like chewing through the inner-workings of a sewing machine. The finish is shorter with dark chocolate, confectioners sugar, and a light, sugary cinnamon mix all fading off into a hint of smoke on the back end.
TL;DR: Craggy flashes of interesting whiskey notes that lift to alpine heights before falling flat
Rating: 3/5
This is a fun whiskey that does well on some days and doesn't quite shine on others. I found it to be overall quite muscular, husky, and deeply earthy. That profile did not ultimately really sing to me, but I am definitely glad to have been able to try it!
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