Origin: Drogheda (Ireland)
Type: Irish Single Malt Whiskey
Strength: 46%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry oloroso
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Boann Distillery
Average price: € 59.00
Official website: boanndistillery.ie
Vote: 84/100
After publishing our exclusive interview with one of the founders of the Irish distillery Boann, here I am dealing with the first of four bottlings of which I had the pleasure of receiving samples from the hands of Dario Crisci of Cuzziol, the label’s Italian distributor.
Given the distillery’s recent establishment, the whiskey in the bottle was obviously not produced by them but came from Cooley, and after 8 years in ex-Bourbon casks, Boann added 2 years in ex-Sherry Oloroso casks.
Each bottle of The Whistler has a motto, that of the 10 year old is “How the Years Whistle By”.
Tasting notes
Beautiful bright copper in the glass.
A sherried bang comes straight to the nose, intense and full-bodied, with a truckload of ripe figs and dates, dried apricots, trifle, cloves, cinnamon, blood orange juice, caramel… it dances on the edge of cloying without ever falling for it, thanks also to a note of lacquered wood in the background that dilutes the wave of sweetness.
The alcohol content is very lively on the palate, more so than one would expect, helping to tame the exuberance of the Spanish cask, which lowers its tones and becomes more sly and elegant, thanks again to the wood that dries up the flavors and brings out the spices (a touch of ginger along with cloves and cinnamon) and fruit (more oranges along with sultanas, prunes and dried apricots). A touch of fondant and a hint of liquorice. Decidedly more balanced while remaining full-bodied.
The finish is quite long and dry, with wood, orange, dried fruit and spices.
A decidedly uncommon, sweetly muscular Irish whose overly exuberant nose contrasts with a much more interesting palate, even if not particularly complex. But the research and study are there and can be felt, who knows what they will do with their distillate…
Reviews of Boan Distillery whiskey
Other perspectives:
That’s Dram Good