Glendalough 7 Year Mizunara Finish

Having enjoyed many Irish whiskeys previously, I was eager to sample this as a gift and discover the influence of Mizunara. It possesses a medium amber hue and an oily viscosity. The aroma deviates from the typical green apple and orchard fruits I associate with Irish whiskeys, offering instead stewed prunes and Christmas pudding cake with brandy, along with a surprising wine-like, port-esque scent. The palate is initially quite sweet and rich, featuring dark fruits like plums, followed swiftly by cinnamon and baking spices. Sherry then dominates the experience. The finish is quite lengthy but not particularly pleasant, with the sherry flavor lingering alongside a faint bitterness. Overall, I am rather disappointed with this whiskey. I had anticipated a classic Irish whiskey profile enhanced by spicy oak notes. Instead, it seems to have been aged in a Mizunara barrel that still contained sherry. Despite its potential, it falls significantly short, and I cannot recommend it at this price point.

The aroma presents warm stewed strawberries, honey, and dark melons, with an unexpected promise of an oily and creamy texture. The palate offers pears, honeysuckle, red berry preserves, and mango chew candies, culminating in a wonderfully creamy, smooth, and oily experience. The finish mirrors this, with honey being the last note to fade. There's no burn, a change from when the bottle was first opened. If I had to choose three words, they would be smooth, sweet, and clean. Many reviews mention a strange finish, and I initially agreed. However, after some time and exposure to air (about 5 months with less than half the bottle remaining), that odd note vanished, leaving a very, very good result. Now, I'm going to look for bottles of the 13 and 17 year olds.

Appearance: Amber hue; legs form and dissipate quickly. Smell: Heavily influenced by oak. Red wine vinegar is prominent immediately, followed by caramel and toffee. Spices, particularly cloves, are present, as well as faint red berries. A touch of dark chocolate emerges at the end of the aroma. Taste: Sweet with a somewhat thin body and a brief finish. It's sharp and spicy, carrying a familiar Bourbon "burn." Significant oak presence is noted, with white sparkling wine on the initial palate. Smell after dilution: More vanilla appears, along with sweet marzipan. Taste after dilution: The burn diminishes with added water. No significant new flavors emerge. I was quite pleased with this dram initially upon opening the bottle. However, upon closer examination, I've realized this dram lacks complexity. It remains enjoyable, but not as impressive as my first impression.

Upon the initial taste, cocoa and milk chocolate were immediately apparent. This characteristic persists throughout, while the malt serves as a base for the Mizunara to delicately and evocatively paint its profile. This is one of the most distinctive Irish whiskies we've encountered, and it's our favorite among the various Glendalough releases. If you can find several bottles, acquire them immediately, as they may not be available again.

The aroma presents notes of honey, oak, and dark chocolate. This is arguably the most intricate Irish whiskey encountered. The mizunara imparts an additional dimension of oak and chocolate, culminating in a prolonged sweet and spicy conclusion that lingers considerably.

Points for uniqueness! The aroma is peculiar. It has an oily mouthfeel. The taste is fruity with a somewhat decaying end. Intriguing. The aftertaste persists and isn't exactly enjoyable