Kavanagh Blended Irish Whiskey

The aroma is quite typical for an Irish whiskey but unremarkable. The taste is surprisingly good for the cost. It clearly exhibits apricot notes, which is always a positive indicator. It's sweet and also somewhat rich. However, it's not as full of flavor as Bushmill's Black Bush and certainly doesn't have as much apricot taste. That being said, while slightly less sweet, it is a bit richer. It holds its own remarkably well for a store-brand product. The presence of some mineral notes is quite disappointing. There's a hint of mint flavor here, and it's also somewhat vegetal. It's sufficiently sweet but also rather dull. There's a touch of smoke, but not much. Rather watery and bland with an uninspired bitter note on the finish. It tastes quite young. Significantly inferior to Green Spot and Bushmill's Black Bush. Some pleasant apricot and tangerine notes are present, but the overpowering blast of harsh alcohol spoils it. This is not quite drinkable on its own but would serve well as a mixer. At least it isn't excessively watery, even at 40% ABV. This tastes less natural than Bushmill's Black Bush. It has a more generic buttery background and hints of powdered sugar. It might possess sweetness, but it also has that unpleasant Irish whiskey bitterness. There are some honey notes within that are nice and somewhat rich eventually, but it's still a very harsh drink. I could possibly sip this on occasion, but it would be a struggle. I would prefer less mineral and salt content. Unfortunately, there's too much alcohol flavor. The hints of honey, fruit, chocolate, etc., are unfortunately just whispers, and the rest of the flavor is aggressive Irish whiskey.

An elegant Blended Whiskey with an aromatic beginning featuring notes of grains, herbs, and spices; its delicate life unfolds with notes of toffee, leading to a balanced, medium-length finish with butterscotch hints. February 2016 / February / May 2017 September 2022

Has a clear, pale gold appearance, with widely-spaced alcohol legs. The aroma is of light cereal grains. The flavor is of mild cereal grains, vanilla, cream, and oak. Has a medium body and a medium-long finish.

This was initially intended for Irish coffee, but it turns out to be a fantastic whiskey for drinking neat. (It also makes a superb coffee, by the way.) While pricier spirits aficionados might dismiss it, this is truly excellent.

Very understated with limited high notes. It's a good buy for the money. Smooth enough for some to enjoy on the rocks.

A dependable choice, primarily for mixing and drinks.