Origin: Dublin (Ireland)
Type: Irish Blended Malt Whiskey
Strength: 45%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: Yes
Owner: Diageo
Average price: € 29.00
Official website: www.roeandcowhiskey.com
Vote: 81/100
Established as recently as 2017, Roe & Co. Distillery is just a short walk from Guinness’ Dublin premises, also owned by Diageo.
Until 1926, the same street was home to the Thomas Street Distillery, founded by George Roe, one of Ireland’s largest distilleries whose warehouses were partly acquired by Guinness, and when the Roe & Co. project was launched, the intention was to (ideally) resurrect this old Irish glory.
The fruit of the knowledge and passion of Diageo master blender Caroline Martin, it’s a blended grain and malt that has long remained the distillery’s only expression. Last December, it was joined by a cask strength version with a declared age of 13 years.
Tasting Notes
Herbaceous and fruity tones combine on the nose, a carpet of hay on which are scattered apples, pears, ripe banana, vanilla, caramel, toasted cereals, delicate cinnamon spice. Over time it becomes softer and rounder, very captivating.
Silky and compact on the palate, with a hint of chilli, it glides over fruity notes (melon and a hint of plum are added) and sweet, pear tart notes, with plenty of wood spices, caramel, vanilla, pecans. Over time it loses some substance, becoming lighter and giving more weight to the spices.
The finish is quite short and slightly spicy with pears, vanilla, nuts.
For such an inexpensive blended blend it manages to score points with many competitors in the same price range (and even some higher), very pleasant and drinkable, it may not hold up over distance but it gets respect.
Other perspectives:
The Whiskey Trail