Keeper's Heart Irish + American Whiskey

Nose: Youthful Irish grain, dill-like rye herbs, some baking spice or perhaps pot still warmth; all the necessary elements are present. Green rye grain takes over, becoming earthy and herbal. Vigorous swirling reveals ripe orchard fruit. Pale: Green rye, dried herbs, anise, cooked banana, fruit and cream notes, all muted by dill and other botanicals, with a slight heat. Finish: Dried herbs, dill, wilted flowers, pine, and oak. This expression, a fusion of Irish grain, single pot still, and rye, sparked more intrigue than a genuine belief in its potential. While the concept is interesting, similar to an Irish + Bourbon release, this blend didn't quite deliver. I'm left with a sense of its possibilities, yet disappointed by the subpar components, particularly the rye. It tastes like a jumbled mixed drink, lacking balance with disproportionate intensity in some areas and weakness in others. Essentially, it's a harsh, immature rye with a hint of Irish for show. I would avoid this and the concept altogether; crafting your own blend would likely yield better results if the idea appeals to you.

An elegant, blended Whiskey from the O'Shaughnessy Distilling Company, established by Patrick & Michael O’Shaughnessy in Minnesota. It is composed of a blend of Irish Grain Whiskey, Irish Pot Still whiskey & American Rye Whiskey, aged for a minimum of four years and bottled at 43% ABV. It presents a bold aromatic introduction with notes of baking spices, flowers & grain; while a rich & full character adds notes of sweet tobacco, allspice, candied ginger, vanilla, lemon zest, sweet biscuits & stewed fruits; culminating in a balanced, medium-length finish with notes of candied sweets, smoke & charred oak. December 2022

Nose: spoiled banana, acetone Palate: rye spice, young oak, spearmint Finish: rye spice, young oak (tannins, astringent) It has less viscosity and a shorter finish than the bourbon blend I tried, which I preferred. I like rye spice, but the harsh, young oak flavors are not for me. If there's any vanilla, it's mostly masked in this pour. I'll see if the 110 proof version is better.

Nose: Quite sweet. Smells like vanilla, brown sugar, flowers, and spice. Palate: Smooth and sweet at first, tasting like cookies or biscuits with a baking spice end. Not brown sugar, but there's still some vanilla or caramel blended in. Starts off mild, but the finish is intricate and stays around pleasantly. A pleasant, easy-drinking whiskey. Excellent in mixed drinks.

The aroma is exceptionally delicate but intricate. It was challenging to isolate any particular scent. Notes of vanilla, smoke, and possibly pear were present. The palate offered no respite. This might be the most seamless whiskey I have ever experienced. However, I must admit it's somewhat let down. There's nothing distinct to note, nothing that compels me to revisit it.

Nose: Mostly sweet, with vanilla notes over a bit of citrus Palate: Much more subdued than I anticipated based on the scent. It's herbal, spicy, and piney Finish: Notes of leather and medicine, with the spiciness from the palate fading