Origin: Down (Northern Ireland)
Type: Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Strength: 55%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon, ex-Rum and ex-Sherry PX
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: Killowen Distillery
Average price: € 70.00
Official website: www.killowendistillery.com
Back on the blog, after some time, is Ireland’s smallest distillery, with its fourth official release, this time in 995 bottles (of 50cl). Similar to the second batch, reviewed on these pages, the whiskey is sourced and aged in ex-bourbon, before being matured in ex-dark rum and ex-sherry PX casks, for 6 years in total.
Tasting Notes
The colour is gold.
The first nose unmistakably shows the influence of the ageing casks, with notes of dried figs and sultanas, first and foremost. The fruity ensemble peaches from the undergrowth (blackberries, raspberries and blueberries), while the floral side aligns hints of violets and cyclamen, with a touch of wood and one of black pepper rounding out the profile. The second nose, on the other hand, tells of the contribution of the ex-bourbon casks with robust doses of vanilla, custard and pastry.
The palate is dominated by berry gummies, with dried figs, malaga and rum baba not far behind. Here the sprinkling of pepper is more significant and is surrounded by impressions of dark wood and cyclamen. A hint of black cherry opens the door to a medium-persistent, dry and slightly peppery finish, in which the berries play the leading role and malaga, dried figs and cyclamen a supporting role.
First of all, the perfectly centred alcohol content is a nice surprise, which was not to be taken for granted in such a young whiskey. The overall result is certainly perfectible, but we are really well on the way to creating a whiskey that can stand out qualitatively in the bustling Irish landscape.
Vote: 85/100