The Data

Category   Whiskey

Sub-Category   Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Origin   County Cork

Retail Price   $64.99

ABV   43%

Score   4.5 Stars/Exceptional! +

In the Glass

Brilliant, deep copper color.

The aromatics are complex and delicate with malted barley and grain notes in the lead supported by accents of spring flowers, orange peel, toasted almonds, and dried apricot with subtle hints of the Sherry cask.

The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and round malt and grain core with flanking notes of citrus, honey, nutmeg, and oak with the rich Sherry notes riding on the finish enveloping the toasted malt.

Medium to full-bodied with layers of grains and fruit presented in perfect proportions with a bright dose of acidity as well.

Cool Factor

An independent distiller in Ireland is surely a cool thing as more distillers are needed to offer diversity to the category and meet the needs of a world with an ever-growing thirst for Irish Whiskey.

Value Grade

Considering Irish single malt prices these days this West Cork Sherry cask is certainly in line with its peers and you could argue that it's a bargain in the category.

Analysis

The Whiskies from West Cork have impressed for some time now and their latest releases are up to their standards. They use local spring water, process their own grains, and even malt their own barley, which sets them apart from many of their fellow Irish distillers. The West Cork Sherry Cask Single Malt is aged for 12 years in ex-Bourbon casks and then finished in Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks for a period of three to four months. Unlike many Sherry cask Whiskies this beauty offers subtle accents provided by the Sherry cask without it trampling on the complex Whiskey that has slumbered for 12 long years.

How to Enjoy

I recommend skipping ice with this one as this will simply mute many of the subtle flavors. I like this Whiskey served in a Glencairn Whisky glass with a splash of water.