Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy

I recently acquired this bottle because a friend, who you likely know and who absolutely adores it, told me I had to try it. The packaging is immediately striking; I've seen many impressive boxes with high-end bottles, and this one ranks among the best, even surpassing some of my favorite Kavalan presentations. Initially, I wasn't blown away, so I'm tasting it alongside Johnnie Walker Blue Label 12 Year Old to see if my perception is off. Nose - It's subtle, making it a challenge to discern individual notes. I detect jam-like sweetness and oak, with a very gentle and calm profile that still hints at older oak maturation and traditional Irish un-malted barley characteristics. This could serve well as an introductory spirit for someone looking for something sophisticated. It's developing further, revealing more citrus with a slight tang, which is a pleasant shift, yet the jammy sweetness remains a balancing element. Taste - The initial impression is approachable, followed by a notable spicy finish, perhaps too intense for the beginner group mentioned earlier. There's a solid oak presence. It's sweet, but overall, it presents as a rather standard Irish whiskey. My initial guess was a blend of mostly 12-15 year old whiskey with some 20 year old components. I'm informed it's predominantly 10 year old with additions up to 25 year old. This speaks to the oak's complexity and the enjoyable spice and flavor profile. However, it doesn't inspire awe, nor does it justify a $200 price tag. The finish is quite good and lingering, offering a sense of well-aged Irish character rather than extreme age. Returning to the Powers comparison: it's more robust and fruity, with spices that carry a similar flavor but a different delivery – more dispersed versus concentrated. This makes the Powers seem younger and less refined. The Barry Crockett, in essence, showcases oak in an appealing way. The Powers is vibrant and fruity, akin to a charming 21-year-old at a bar – enjoyable and full of life, but lacking depth. The Barry Crockett offers a more intellectually engaging experience, though perhaps less visually striking. Objectively, the Barry Crockett is superior, but I question if it provides more enjoyment. As I compare them, I notice the Barry Crockett's refinement and the concentrated notes of older oak against the Powers' lively sweetness. They stem from similar foundations, and neither is particularly remarkable or unique, nor do they possess any off-putting characteristics. Regarding the score: I rated the Powers a 2.5, and frankly, I might prefer drinking it due to its greater flavor and sweetness. However, the Barry Crockett is undeniably more refined. For an objective assessment, the Barry Crockett gets the nod, but is the improvement significant enough for a higher score? Yes, I believe so. I'm giving it a 2.75, anticipating some backlash from Irish whiskey enthusiasts. I see this as a whiskey for a professional, like a doctor or lawyer, who wants something with more character than a "Very Rare" offering. It's not for the casual Irish whiskey drinker. While exceptionally well-crafted, it represents a $100-level whiskey that doesn't excel in any single aspect.

Aroma: Freshly cut hay, barley, sage, rosemary, papaya, clarified butter, canned fruit salad (you smell both the fruit and the tin can), baked apples, green mangoes, freshly ground coffee, pipe tobacco. After resting for a while some vanilla and surprisingly zappy, cedary oak emerges. Taste: Creamy, herbal, earthy and deep spice arrival - almost like mango chutney and raita. Sweet at first on the front of the tongue, it gains rich, but soft, spicy tones as it moves around the mouth - ginger, orange and some honey. Hugely expressive and satisfying - it reminds me of goat tagine with mint tea on the side. There is a bright intensity that is balanced by a deep spicy warmth and a grassy cereal presence that is never far away. Finish: Very long and lingering. The taste slowly transitions into the finish and the herbal spices gradually ease away, replaced by a most refreshing sweet minty note in the aftertaste. Immediately after pouring, the aroma is unruly and unusual but with a few minutes of rest everything starts to relax and merge. It never loses its dark herbal and fruity profile however (thankfully!). Don't add water - it just turns down the volume and this one should be enjoyed at full force. There is something about this that is uncannily like some Mortlach expressions. An earthy, meaty character that is here balanced by a very fine herbal-fruity presence. Maybe they should call it the "Beast of Midleton"? I enjoyed this immensely and it was a great way to finish today's tasting of Irish whiskey. The only problem is its high price. For the same money I can buy truly wonderful cask-strength independently bottled Scotch whisky that, as good as this is, far eclipses it. It's an excellent whiskey, nonetheless, and recommended if you have deep pockets. "Excellent": 88/100 (4.5 stars)

Nose: Red berries and raspberries, fresh greenery, stone fruit, vanilla, cherries, remarkably fresh and pleasing. In certain aromatic ways, it evokes a premium bourbon, with the distinctive scent of enamel and a crystal sphere. Palate: Strawberries, plums, and cherries, raisins, floral honey, sweet citrus, very rich and viscous. Faint chocolate emerges later. A spirit that is almost 'eaten'. Finish: A delightful blend of florals and cherries with hints of mandarin and a touch of sweet spice. A stunning whiskey with personality and no off-notes. I'm now a devoted admirer of Irish single pot still whiskeys.... Rating 5.00

Created to honor the former master distiller's 47-year career, this single pot still was co-created by the man himself. It's considered one of the best in the line. The spirit uses light, medium, and heavy pot still components, primarily aged in 1st fill bourbon casks with some in virgin American oak. No age statement, though some whiskey is up to 25 years old. Nose - Gentle, delicate scents of honey, white blossoms, baked dough, and a hint of caramel. Taste - Smooth, mild - Citrus, mixed zest, toffee, cocoa, honey - a splash of water will intensify the fruitiness. Excellent whiskey, but I favor the Dair Ghaelach slightly more. Acquired this after completing the Midleton Academy course with a friend. (Built upon published reviews.)

At first opening, I felt a bit let down. The fancy wooden case and elegant bottle led me to anticipate something amazing from the initial taste. Maybe it needed some air? Regardless, it has improved significantly. It’s a beautiful, lingering light-reddish-blonde spirit (no giggling, gentlemen) with a sweet scent of orange blossoms and heather. The first taste coats your palate in a wonderfully warm, fruity hug, featuring more orange, honey, and dried stone fruit notes. The finish is outstanding: unified, intense, and balanced. Irish whiskey offers considerably more bang for your buck than Scotch. While not inexpensive, it cost about a quarter of what a similar Scotch would. A genuinely superb dram.

Typically, the full bottle runs about €250, which is more than I'd normally spend. Luckily, I got a gift set with a small bottle, plus Redbreast 12, Green Spot, and Powers John's Lane. A bit of water made it a little better. It smells like honey and toffee, tastes of orange and other fruits, and has a fantastic lingering finish. It's painful to think I won't get to drink this often because of the cost. Still, the other three spirits in the pack are excellent and don't require selling a kidney to afford.