Glendalough 13 Year Mizunara Finish

The weekend before St. Patrick's Day, amidst the concerns surrounding Covid-19 (has everyone stocked up on toilet paper?), I poured myself a dram of this Irish whiskey, a generous gift from a long-time fellow enthusiast. I truly appreciate good Irish whiskey. They are often underestimated and sometimes unfairly compared to their neighbors, leading people to miss out on enjoyable spirits from across the sea. A lightly copper-colored spirit that initially presents with notes of raw sourdough and vanilla, followed by honey, floral hints, orchard fruits, and tropical fruits, with a touch of baking spice. More specifically, honeysuckle with Fuji apples and toasted coconut, caramel, apricots, and mangoes, all dusted with nutmeg. A very fragrant nose. On a smooth body, flavors emerge that reflect the Mizunara wood influence (as I learned about its contribution). Vanilla, fresh mixed fruit: pears, apples, vanilla, and honey. Baking spices begin to appear as the flavors start to fade: fresh nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon, along with wood spices that create a mild tingling sensation on the palate. Drying wood tannins accompanied by hints of black cherry, black pepper, and orange zest provide a long finish. A superb introduction that is fully realized on the palate. The subtle flavors imparted by the Mizunara puncheon barrel exert a significant, yet not overpowering, influence on the gentle Irish distillate. Fragrant and flavorful with a pleasant woody finish. A fusion of Japanese and Irish elements. If you enjoy Irish whiskey, this will not disappoint. It stands alongside Green Spot and Redbreast, although Green Spot can be found for one-third to half the price. Still, quite good.

This is a truly distinctive whisky; unlike anything I've encountered before. It has taken a few servings for my palate and mind to adjust. However, it has now transitioned from interesting to highly enjoyable. The aroma immediately signals a different experience awaits. There are potent scents of sandalwood, pine needles, salty-sweet caramel... reminiscent of fiddle faddle, Cheerios, and some citrus - but not fresh fruit, more like Tang. On the palate, I'm immediately met with the flavor of the Mizunara - the wood oils coat my tongue, followed by more citrus, but now fresher, like tangerines. I also detect many creamy notes - mango, butter cookies, and ohi'a lehua blossom honey. The finish is oak, oak, and more oak... that Mizunara lingers for days. The Irish-Japanese fusion is exceptionally well executed. I'm eager to observe how the bottle develops over time.

An elegant Single Malt Irish Whiskey from the Glendalough Distillery in Ireland, aged 13 years in ex-Bourbon casks and then finished in virgin mizunara oak puncheons. It has an aromatic beginning with notes of Vanilla ice cream, toffee chunks, orange oil, pine resin, apricot, rolled oats, toasted almond & oak; while a rich & nutty progression adds notes of mango, cedar, honey, flowers, warm baking spices, pecan, dark chocolate-covered Brazil nuts & espresso; leading to a long & spicy conclusion with notes of Mexican cocoa & caramel. March 2020 / September 2022

The aroma is fantastic, reminiscent of sandalwood incense, evoking the Jain temples in India; it's very perfumed, floral, and aromatic. The taste, however, is several steps down from the smell. I question if mizunara combined with triple distillation is effective. My feeling is that mizunara requires a more robust spirit, like Yamazaki, to support it. Nevertheless, during a tasting last night hosted by a friend, this expression held its own against stronger contenders from Michter, Ardbeg, and Octomore. It's a decent pour, and the nose alone justifies the cost.

The aroma is, easily, my favourite part of this; an amazing pine forest smell so reminiscent of bourbon, freshly cut green apples and a little sweetness towards the end. The palate has almost too much going on: savory and bitter with vanilla, oak, hints of pineapple and coconut. A medium, bitter, oily, spicy finish. Please don't judge me, but I really feel this needs water to tame its harsher qualities.

This is the finest Irish whisky I have experienced to date! It possesses the typical characteristics of Irish whisky, but the mizunara oak introduces a very compelling layer. It's definitely a whisky worth trying. If you come across it, you must give it a go! The tasting notes from the distiller app are very accurate; if they appeal to you, then this is the whisky for you!