Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest

This whiskey is truly remarkable. It's made with single pot still spirits aged 12 to 23 years in former bourbon barrels, then finished for 19 months in new Irish oak from a 130-year-old tree (Tree No. 4) felled in County Kilkenny's Bluebell forest. The wood was dried and coopered in Jerez, Spain, before returning to Ireland for use. Bottled at 56.2% ABV cask strength, it hits you with intense power. Its rich amber hue suggests sherry aging, and indeed, it presents notes reminiscent of sherry-aged spirits. I checked extensively to confirm no sherry was actually used. The exceptionally fine aroma is led by distinctive Irish oak mingling with a strong ethanol presence, complemented by sweet vanilla, nutty chocolate, and a touch of spice. The initial taste is smooth and delicious, but drinking too fast will allow the virgin oak tannins to strip your palate, causing significant dryness and a fiery alcoholic sensation. Sipping slowly or adding water will calm its intensity, leading to a very enjoyable experience. The flavor profile mirrors the aroma, adding notes of stone fruit and a peppery fizz that subsipates into the finish. Here, the characteristic oak tannins assert their origin, leaving a comforting, extended warmth. The laser-etched wooden packaging showcases artistry comparable to the Macallan Lalique line, making it a worthy memento. This whiskey fulfills all expectations, earning a perfect 5-star rating. Please note, my judgment might be influenced by the beautiful scenery, welcoming locals, and fantastic golf courses I'll soon encounter.:)

WhiskeyLive Dublin 2018 I sampled this again this year at the event, and it's a superb whiskey. Considering its alcohol content, it's remarkably smooth and easy to drink. It stood out among the Redbreast 21, Very Rare 2018, and Red Spot at the Midleton booth. Regrettably, I didn't note the specific tree number for the bottle. This number indicates the type of Irish oak used for the finishing casks, and it's said you can visit the estate and enjoy a dram while seated on the stump of the tree. It's a pricey outing, as a bottle costs €300.

Nose - Pot Still spices amplified by Irish Oak. Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee. Rich ripe fruit. Taste - Classic Pot Still spices - clove and cinnamon - sweet chocolate and apple. Finish - exceptionally long. Sweet spices and Irish oak. The whiskey is not age-stated but was matured between 15 and 22 years. I obtained 3 bottles - the remaining 2 are bottle 177, Cask Tree 4, batch 1 and bottle 289, Tree 7, batch 1. Master Distiller Brian Norton. (credit to published reviews - on which I based mine)

Deeply rich. Surpasses Grinsell’s Wood. Batch 2 offers more spice, cinnamon, chocolate, grapefruit, and honey compared to Grinsell’s Wood's vanilla, caramel, banana, floral, and coconut. Clearly, more Irish oak influence is present due to extended aging in Irish oak compared to Grinsell’s Wood.

An excellent experience – for those who doubt Irish Whiskey can be bold and full-flavored, try this if you can find it. Vanilla, chocolate, and coffee notes are present, followed by a finish of clove, apple, cinnamon, and ripe fruit. The finish is the longest I've encountered on an Irish whiskey, attributed to its high proof.

Nov 2017 Second whiskey sampled at WhiskeyLive in Dublin. 4.5 overall rating. Possibly not as good as the Barry Crockett, which I've had multiple relaxed tastes of, but superior to the Very Rare 2017 which I also tasted at WhiskeyLive.