Glendalough Mountain Strength Poitín

Rating: 15/23 Happy St. Patrick's Day! I have never sampled poitín before, but I've heard it's unpleasant and I was not impressed by Glendalough previously. This should be a difficult experience. Nose: Oh, this has a strong grappa character. It has that musty scent with sweet potato, earthy potato vodka spice, and a subtle fruity note reminiscent of pear. Oh, I'm getting sweet potato shochu vibes. There are some pleasant elements, but it's truly challenging overall. Palate: This is potent and a bit rough, but it's actually more substantial and rich with a type of oiliness. There's considerable sweetness here as well. Lots of pepperiness. It does have a flavor that strongly reminds me of sweet potato shochu, but with more agreeable sweetness and less earthy undertones. Vegetal, but not nearly as decayed as I anticipated. There's actually a faint hint of heavily wheated soy sauce as well. The fruit is pear with a coating of something floral. I don't believe it's quite vanilla. I like this fruity, not-quite-vanilla aspect of the profile. Finish: Pear, that not-vanilla, earthy vegetal notes, spices that come and go. It again makes me think of shochu, but sweeter. - Conclusion - This is somewhat intriguing, with pleasant sweetness, but the earthiness is truly difficult to handle. This is growing on me, though. I'm finding I like this, but it's actually still quite challenging. It's hard to assign a rating, but I'm considering a 15 or 16. I think I'll give this a 15 for now.

This has become my preferred white whiskey. It has an almost buttery taste. It's strong enough to slow down even the most eager drinker.

I'm glad I tried this. The added sugar provides a distinct flavor compared to standard gin or moonshine.

She is challenging. Feels like the arrival of a very sweet baby Jesus in soft bedroom slippers.

Strong floral, oily, sweet notes linger for a while. It's warming, like gin but without the juniper.

It's like Irish moonshine. I'm okay with that, but not at imported prices.