Batch 206 Barrell Raider II Irish Whiskey

Rating: 11/23 Nose: Dry, grainy, with some subtle bourbon character (dry wood, vanilla, a hint of cinnamon). Palate: Light and fairly dry, but crisp and clean. Grain notes come first, followed by vanilla, then a richer sweetness that adds a touch of body to this otherwise thin whiskey. There's a bit of ethanol, but not excessive. Some cinnamon and a black pepper burn. It's not incredibly complex, and the flavors tend to blend together, but it's an easy drink. A light woody undertone is present. The pepper burn eventually becomes somewhat harsh. A slightly oily sensation appears with a larger sip, which is a pleasant addition. At times, I think I detect a hint of tangerine or cherry, but I'm not entirely certain. Finish: Light. Vanilla, grain, and mild malt. Dry with some restrained sweetness at points. Clean and smooth, even though the palate was a bit harsh. - Conclusion - I'm finding I like this slightly more than Glendalough Double Barrel and Proper No. Twelve. There's a bit more complexity here. That said, the improvement isn't drastic. I was somewhat impressed after the first sip, thinking I might rate it a 13, but subsequent sips haven't been as favorable. I do appreciate tasting the influence of the Batch 206 Old Log Cabin Bourbon finish, which is expected after a two-year maturation. The high (49%) barley content in the Old Log Cabin suits this whiskey well. The drawbacks I perceive likely stem from the Irish whiskey base and its relatively young age, rather than the Old Log Cabin Bourbon. I'm considering a score of 10 or 11. Given that it surpasses the Old Log Cabin, I'm settling on an 11.

On the nose, there's a distinct rye scent, suggesting a grain whiskey. Dry wood is also present. The palate offers an interesting Irish floral flavor combined with robust wood and sweetness, though the flavors seem artificially merged. A peculiar bitterness is detectable, which is difficult to place. A strong artificial caramel and alcohol taste is overwhelming and hard to consume. While more engaging than a cheap tequila, its flavor execution is similarly unrefined and poorly balanced. The balance slowly improves, but then the unpleasant caramel becomes very prominent. It tastes very immature and is challenging to drink. The finish is surprisingly decent, with some grain and honey notes emerging and enhancing the floral character slightly, without the harsh bitter taste.