HYDE No. 6 President's Reserve Sherry Cask Finish

This is the third in my series exploring Hyde, the No. 6 Presidents Reserve Irish Malt Whisky. It's a blend of 18-year-old single malt and 8-year-old grain whisky, finished in an Olorosso Sherry cask. Hyde appears to rely heavily on awards; their homepage highlights this. I'm often skeptical of distilleries focused on awards, fearing it masks a lack of substance. This reserve boasts a 'winner' award from the 2018 World Whisky Awards Irish blend category. Given my experiences with No. 3 and No. 4, I'm not optimistic. Nose: A bit thin, with an immediate malt-forward profile slightly overpowered by a noticeable spirit presence, likely from the grain whisky. It's reserved, offering light vanilla and biscuit notes, perhaps some fresh blossoms and chocolate hinting at the malt's age. Caramel emerges after about 10 minutes of swirling, but more spirit also appears, and I struggle to detect direct sherry fruit notes. Palate: Good texture with a creamy, milk chocolate feel. The grain's sweetness is balanced, and while quite sugary, deeper red fruit, stewed apple, and cinnamon-clove notes prevent it from being overwhelming. The age is apparent in the slightly aggressive tannic oak, which feels disconnected from the other flavors. An occasional floral or perfumed quality provides a nice lift. Finish: Medium. Tannic, plump raisin, milk chocolate. Perhaps my negative impressions of No. 3 and No. 4 are biasing me, but this doesn't strike me as a world-class whisky. It has some interesting elements: a floral lift on the palate and a pleasant, rich, soft finish are enjoyable. However, there isn't enough complexity to compensate for the muted nose and unbalanced palate. Instead of a top-tier blend, it seems like an uninspired way to use up aged stock, making me wonder about the potential of the 18-year-old malt alone. If this was indeed the best Irish blend in 2018, it's quite a disappointing reflection on the category. Hyde running scores No. 3 Aras Cask Bourbon: 2/5 No. 4 Rum Cask Finish: 1.75/5 No. 6 Presidents Reserve: 2.75/5

Clear color. Sweet, industrial nose. The first sip is clear like rock water, refreshing and splashing the palate with its coolness. The second sip is spicy, revealing the alcohol. The third sip is unfortunately industrial. It's quite thick, lacks depth, and leaves a slightly industrial aftertaste on the tongue. This whisky won't be memorable for my palate or mind. A night with friends discussing youthful pursuits. Why all these questions? All these issues? Are they truly worth it? Amidst whisky, friends, memories, and the scent of an Irish pub... we still have the sparkle of nights gone by.

A delicate, Blended Irish Whiskey from brothers Conor & Alan Hyde for Hibernia Distillers in Ireland. It's made from a mix of 75% 8-year-old grain and 18-year-old Single Malt Irish Whiskeys, matured in ex-Bourbon & ex-Sherry casks, yielding 5000 bottles. It starts aromatically with notes of lavender, lemon, plantain, caramel & oak; a balanced middle adds notes of grains, vanilla, toffee, espresso & baking spices; leading to a delicate & smooth end with notes of coffee, honey & spice. Bottled in April 2019 / May 2020 / September 2019 / 2021 / 2022.

Sweet pear and rich port aroma. Pale yellow like apple juice. Wispy, extended legs. Spicy and fruity taste. The young whiskey masks the flavors. For Oloroso sherry notes, a friend suggests Ron Abuelo XV Oloroso rum.

The aroma is light, but the palate is surprisingly substantial and rough, featuring intense earthy, grassy, and herbal notes, not particularly sweet.

Pleasant, clean taste. Easy to consume with minimal burn.