Midleton Very Rare, Bourbon Cask, 2018, 40%

The strongest point is the finish: it is described as long, with wood spice and toasted oak lingering alongside honeyed cereals and green apple. That gives the sweeter vanilla and orchard-fruit notes a more grounded, spicy counterpoint. The silky palate and robust pot still spices sound like a pleasing contrast, rather than a one-note sweet style. There is enough detail here to make this a compelling, balanced Irish whiskey, with the finish doing much of the work.

Reviewed by BluehourCloud

Nose

Sweet vanilla, Floral perfume, Citrus zest, Fresh herbs, Sweet spices, Charred oak

Palate

Silky texture, Ripe orchard fruits, Cinnamon, Clove, Sweet vanilla, Robust pot still spices

Finish

Long and elegant, Lingering wood spice, Toasted oak, Honeyed cereals, Green apple