Killowen 10 Year Dark Rum Finish (Bonded Experimental Series)

This is a mix of three whiskies from unnamed distilleries: 75% Grain Irish Whiskey, 5% Single Malt Irish Whiskey made in Ireland, and 20% Single Malt Irish Whiskey made in Northern Ireland. The blend matured for 10–12 years in former bourbon casks and former sherry butts, then was finished in a cask that previously held dark Jamaican rum from an unknown distillery. This bottling came in 375ml bottles and at a 52.5% ABV, but I did not think it warranted another listing. The aroma is rich, beginning with pineapple, banana cream pie, and toasted coconut, followed by chocolate-covered raisins and macadamia nuts, then light floral hints before fruits like sautéed apples, caramelized peaches, and tangerine orange that shifts to light ginger and toasted sourdough bread with a moderate ethanol burn. The flavor is rich and creamy on the palate, starting with pineapple, banana cream pie, and toasted coconut, then spicy mocha and macadamia nuts, followed by light floral notes before caramelized peaches, lemon zest, and tangerine orange that shifts to ginger, cloves, and toasted sourdough bread with a moderate ethanol burn. The finish is long with chocolate-covered espresso beans, pineapple, caramelized peaches, ginger, cloves, and vanilla Bundt cake. To me, this is an amazing blend that has a rich, syrupy aroma that harmonizes the Irish, rum, and sherry flavors into a balanced combination that allows each flavor to emerge without overwhelming the others. This carries over to the palate with some spicy, earthy espresso notes before finishing long with espresso, citrus, sweetness, and mild spices. The only drawback with this one is a slight youthful sourness in the background of those bold and rich flavors that ever so slightly detracts from the experience. At $90 for a 375ml, it's expensive, but the quality and depth of flavors are something that I believe won't disappoint any fan of Irish and rum.