Origin: Carlow (Ireland)
Type: Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Strength: 40%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry Oloroso
Chillfiltered: Yes
Added coloring: Yes
Owner: Walsh Whiskey
Average price: € 50.00
Official website: walshwhiskey.com
Vote: 80/100
We had the opportunity to talk about Bernard and Rosemary Walsh in the article on their other label, Writers’ Tear, but this time I find myself with their first creation, evocatively named The Irishman.
Nothing to do with the Scorsese film of the same name, since the brand was founded in 2007 as a blend of single malts and single pot stills, and then expanded into the various versions that now make up its portfolio, including this one.
A limited edition of 6,000 bottles, this small batch comes from casks selected by Bernard Walsh, rumoured to be from Bushmills (but don’t take that for granted), designed as an introduction to this Irish label and therefore at a decidedly popular price (and minimum ABV).
Tasting notes
Being a NAS, it’s not possible to know the minimum ageing time, but it is certainly young: on the nose, lots of wet cereal, herbaceous notes, pear, honey, lemon juice. On the length, light wild strawberry and orange. Note of acetone. Fresh.
Soft and light on the palate, it takes up the fruity colours (also apple and peach) with some more influence from the Spanish barrels: cinnamon, sultanas, candied orange. The tones remain light and not very persistent, with more honey, lemon and a certain astringency from the wood along the length.
Medium-long, dry finish of honey, toasted wood, lemon, cereals.
Light and drinkable, a premium whiskey (at a popoular price) by the book, that lives up to its name and doesn’t sacrifice taste on the altar of cheap whiskeys.
Reviews of whiskey from Walsh Whiskey in the blog:
The Irishman Cask Strength 2020
Writers’ Tears Copper Pot
Writers’ Tears Red Head Chapter 2