Lambay Single Malt Finished in Cognac Casks

My partner found this and purchased it because of the puffin on the label, which is as good a reason as any to try something new! I hadn't encountered this whiskey before, but I generally like Irish whiskey, so I gave it a shot! Nose Typical Irish fruitiness and malt are prominent initially, followed by the cognac influence adding a layer of intricacy. Pear with a hint of grassiness. Finally, a touch of vanilla and oak, but they're minor players. Overall, it's somewhat light on the nose, but bottled at 40% so it's not overly surprising. I'm anticipating a mild whiskey that will be an easy drinking companion. Palate Strong Irish malt flavors are upfront and much bolder with more body than the nose suggested. The fruits noticeable on the nose are subdued here, and the grainy bitterness I appreciate in some of my favorite Irish whiskies (like Redbreast 15 or 21) is highlighted. I detect a slight hint of the cognac barrels, but again, it's not overpowering like some wine barrel finishes. Subsequent sips continue to build to a surprisingly large flavor and more of the fruits emerge with a stronger vanilla presence. Finish Moderate and lingering on my mid palate. It leaves a pleasant sensation and a residual flavor that persists very agreeably. I'm struggling to identify more flavors in the finish other than what I've come to expect from many Irish whiskies. In summary, this is a nice discovery. Full-flavored, but perhaps lacking some complexity compared to other Irish whiskies at a similar price point. Nevertheless, an interesting find and purchase, and one I'm happy to own, savor, and share!

Whiskey Live Dublin 2018 This single malt is an acquired spirit aged in bourbon casks, then finished in Camus cognac barrels. The finishing occurs in a warehouse on the island, and despite my efforts, I couldn't detect the sea air scent the representative insisted was present. However, I did notice apples, pears, and floral notes. The taste was typical but enjoyable - vanilla, shortbread, and lightly fruity. Lambay Island is a privately owned island 3 miles off the coast of County Dublin, passed down through generations of Barings barons (prominent bankers). It is known as a home for a large number of seabirds, including a group of puffins, which are featured on the label. Unusually, it is also home to a population of wild wallabies introduced in the 1950s and supplemented by surplus wallabies from Dublin Zoo over 30 years ago.

A sample from the Summerton Virtual Whisky Festival. This one is somewhat mixed due to its time in cognac casks. It's a very light, fruity drink. It seems the spirit rests for about 6 months in cognac barrels, and the whisky itself is roughly 5.5 years old. As it develops, there's a hint of saltiness, but the sweetness from the cognac, like plums, is most prominent. The finish is rather long and warm. I would definitely try this again. (Similar to the small batch, I had an allergic reaction and couldn't stop sneezing)!

Excellent balance throughout the entire sip and swallow. It's comparable to Redbreast 12 and 15 for me. Much smoother on the finish, though more mellow on the nose with oak and slight tannins.

Sweet, with notes of caramel, it's smooth but has a harsher finish, creamy, and a bit floral, with a clear Cognac character.

- cantaloupe - honeydew - oak - green grape - baked green apple - almond - floral notes - vanilla - salt