The standard Connemara is decent for a peated whisky, though not exceptional. The cask strength version, however, is impressive. An earthy, woody peat smoke is prominent, but a pleasant vanilla cream helps to temper the smoke. It has a dry malt character, more akin to Cambelltown than Islay. Definitely worth seeking out!
Connemara Cask Strength Peated Single Malt
Whiskey Irish Whiskey Ireland No age statement 57.9% ABV
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About this bottle
Peated whiskies were once prevalent in Ireland, especially along the western coast with its abundant peat bogs, but this changed with the introduction of coal in the 19th century. Cooley Distillery reintroduced the tradition of peating barley with Connemara Peated Whiskeys in the 1990s. This single malt is bottled at cask strength and is non chill filtered.
How it tastes
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Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 29 parsed reviews.
It lacks the complexity one might expect from cask strength and isn't as peaty as its name implies, though adding water enhances it slightly. It's an acceptable whiskey, but not exceptional. Hints of honey on the nose, and the initial taste has a bit of warmth. Short finish.
Some people might dislike this expecting an Irish spirit, but it's more akin to a Scotch. However, if you enjoy a peaty/smoky flavor with a very light body, this is the bottle for you. It also retains the vanilla notes found in a good Irish whiskey.
One of the smoothest cask strength Irish whiskeys, nearly on par with another popular brand. Its complex and enjoyable profile features peat smoke that isn't overpowering. A fantastic new saddle leather note runs through it, making it quite unique.
Bone dry, with a texture that hinders enjoyment of the flavors. When notes do emerge, they are primarily like damp hay (unpleasant) and earth.
Hot aroma, honey, cloves, roses/floral; sweet taste, hot on the palate, perhaps too intense for some, could cause chaos.
23 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
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