Knappogue Castle 12 Year Special Barrel Release

Contrary to most, this is where I began my journey with Knappogue Castle. I used to obtain these from my local shop, which no longer exists. In fact, this was one of the initial premium bottlings I routinely bought. My evaluation might be slightly influenced for this reason. Let's dive in. Nose: Vanilla and abundant fruit. Typical green apple, banana, and apricot. A hint of pear. Toffee, honey, sugar cookie/shortbread cookie. Floral, green, grassy. Plum. Oak and a touch of spice. A very pleasing aroma. Palate: Vanilla and caramel. Pear, green apple, apricot in that sequence. More sugar/shortbread cookie, honey, toffee, and butterscotch. Faint plum and peach notes. Banana, whipped cream, and macadamia nut on the mid-palate. Floral, green, and oak notes. Echoes much of what I appreciated about the aroma. Solid. Finish: Medium-to-long. Vanilla and caramel. Banana, apple, pear, apricot. Slightly bitter. Baking spice and oak conclude this one. Excellent finish. Perhaps it's bias. Perhaps sentimentality. It's certainly affected by the outstanding value (to be precise, that earned this an additional half star.) $45 for a 12-year-old single malt--from anywhere--at least in this region. I can list numerous 12-year-old Scotches that cost more and are not nearly as good as this. The boost to 46% ABV significantly benefits this expression compared to the standard 12-year Knappogue Castle. After some thought, I decided on 4.5 stars for this. It provides a flavor profile I enjoy from the initial smell to the final sensation on the finish. It's highly probable that I enjoy this so much because it's one of the spirits that molded my preferences from the start. Regardless, this version honors the selections I used to purchase. Great material.

Single barrel selection from a particular store (Kansas City), likely bottled in 2017 or 2018. Light yellow hue. Viscosity is low in the glass, yet it produces remarkably persistent legs. The aroma is herbaceous. Notes of mown grass, green bell pepper, and eucalyptus are arranged above a subtle but deep base of lemon rind. Further smelling uncovers that the rind is part of a highly sweet pastry... a vanilla-orange glaze. Pronounced cereal character. Additional vanilla. Overall, it's quite pleasing and captivating. Initially, it's perfumed and sweet, then it transforms into rose water with a persistent sweetness and mild warmth on the edges of the palate. The influence of oak and vanilla from the bourbon barrels is evident on subsequent sips, integrating with the other elements. It presents notes of honeydew melon and green apple. Though delicate, it possesses a complete and intricate taste. Frequently concludes with a flavor reminiscent of an orange muscat dessert wine. The 92 proof manifests as occasional lingering spice and a drying sensation, provoking salivation. This is truly a remarkable serving that I'm appreciating more with each sip. Distinctly floral, with abundant and varied fruit flavors, and evident bourbon characteristics (first-fill cask influence throughout its 12 years since single barrel maturation?) that harmonize rather than clash. I anticipate enjoying this bottle... the score reflects the excellent value relative to its very accessible cost.

A surprising find during a trip. This limited edition is aged for 12 years, unfiltered, and bottled at 46%. The aroma is full of the biscuity, malty, baking spice notes expected, with an added ethanol kick. The initial taste is sharp and bright, with the grain forward, and those baking spices emerge later in the mid-palate. The finish disappears fast, but some mild, very pleasant tannins remain. An excellent Irish whiskey at a very reasonable cost.

Purchased this as a store exclusive. It met expectations. Straw-colored appearance. Subtle notes of apple, spice, and honey on the aroma. The taste is substantial. A mouthful of honey, pastry, spice, almonds, and green apple. Starts dry but finishes a touch sweet. A slight burn at the end, possibly from the spice or 46% alcohol content.

Uncorking this reveals a syrupy aroma. The initial taste is sharp, then mellows to caramel and vanilla. It's too expensive for the flavor.

Sweet honey, vanilla bean, and a buttery biscuit on the palate. It's mellow and glides down smoothly, offering more character than many others. An easy drink. Best enjoyed straight. Definitely worth repurchasing.