Rating: 13/23 Given it's labeled "distiller's edition," I anticipate added sherry influence and am optimistic about the slightly elevated alcohol content. Nose: Unfortunately, it lacks the richness and complexity of the standard Connemara. Significant effort is required to discern any detailed notes. Primarily, I detect savory meat with a hint of smoke and a trace of strawberry. Palate: I've previously discussed the standard Connemara extensively. This shares the same initial character but incorporates sherry notes (strawberry, orange, faint cherry, and a touch of tropical fruit), making it fruitier, sweeter, slightly tarter, and lighter. The 43% ABV is noticeable, initially suggesting a younger spirit, but in comparison, it presents as slightly more assertive. However, I struggle to find the same depth of complexity as the standard version. Cereal notes persist alongside a mild smokiness and some hay. There's also a faint herbal quality, reminiscent of light tobacco, and a peppery presence, though it feels harsher here, diminishing my enjoyment. The flavor profile is appealing, but the burn is a bit much, it's somewhat light, not exceptionally complex, and tastes a bit young. Some of these sherry elements are what I had hoped to find in Redbreast 12 CS. Finish: The lingering smoke and red fruit notes continue into the finish, accompanied by a somewhat bitter, alcohol-suggestive note. It's adequate but not particularly exciting. Surprisingly, I find myself preferring the standard Connemara. While quite drinkable, it's not outstanding. The increased alcohol doesn't enhance the flavor and, along with the added fruitiness, masks much of the standard version's delightful complexity. This seems more like a 12 to 14 quality. It's solid, certainly, but not the improvement I expected. Overall, it doesn't quite match Macallan 12, which I rated a 14, hence the 13.
Connemara Distillers Edition
Whiskey Irish Whiskey Ireland No age statement 43% ABV
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About this bottle
The Cooley Distillery introduced Connemara in the 1990s, bringing back the historical Irish practice of using peated barley, which was once common along the Atlantic coast before the advent of coal in the 19th century. Connemara Distillers Edition underwent maturation in bourbon casks and received a finishing period in Oloroso sherry casks. It is important to note that this expression is not presently offered in the U.S.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 12 parsed reviews.
Nose: medicinal and malty, opening up into a citrus and eucalyptus note that fades into honeysuckle and orange blossom with hints of iodine campfire. Palate: medicinal cough syrup with light smoke, citrus and fruit mid palate. Finish: soft short malty finish with very subtle peppery. Overall an acceptable pour but nothing special. This is an average daily drinker if peaty Irish is your thing.
Aroma: Smoke, subtle sherry (berry notes), herbal undertones, chocolate, vanilla, citrus. Taste: Chocolate, vanilla, smoke, and herbal notes. Finish: Smoke, tobacco, dark chocolate, ginger.
Smoky and spicy, a significant departure from typical Irish whiskey. Add two drops of water to fully unlock the aroma in the glass. This is certainly one to add to your collection!
Drank it in Volos with a friend and cousins in June 2020. Good one but nothing special. Maybe should give it a second try.
A very good Irish whiskey. It doesn't quite reach the standard of Red Breast, which serves as my benchmark for this type of whiskey.
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