Midleton Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest

My experience with Irish whiskeys is limited; I can count them on one hand. However, even with more experience, I suspect this would be considered the absolute best. To provide some context, centuries ago, during the period of English global dominance, the English military infamously cleared forests across Ireland. One can imagine the reactions if a prominent environmental activist were present then. Their primary aim was to support the English navy and to antagonize the Irish, who were in revolt at the time. The audacity of seeking independence! Eventually, a few forests remained, including Knockrath. It's unlikely they were spared out of compassion; perhaps the timber was unsuitable for naval vessels. Centuries later, this forest is privately owned by the Brabazon family. Six trees were harvested for this whiskey. The wood was sent to Jerez, Spain for cask preparation, while the Irish whiskey matured in new oak in Ireland. The barrels were then transported from Jerez back to Ireland, where the whiskey aged for an additional two years. This results in a whiskey range of 16-26 years old. I was fortunate to sample four of these: tree 2, 3, 5, and 6. A family member procured a few samples from Dublin. Trees 2, 3, and 6 exhibited very slight variations; I could barely distinguish them. Tree 5, however, was distinct. Its characteristics were quite different. Trees 2, 3, 6: Abundant vanilla and a wide array of tropical fruits, particularly pineapple and tart green apple. Simply outstanding. Tree 5: This one was unique. It possessed a rancio quality, akin to very fine cognac. It was more earthy and herbal. The fruit notes were present, but the earthy rancio was dominant and bold. Out of the four I tried, tree 5 was unequivocally my favorite. It offered layers of complexity beyond the others. All were remarkable, but 5 provided something extraordinary. I am actively searching for this. If you are to acquire one Irish whiskey, make it this one.

From cask 4, and for consistency, let's assign a score. Nose: There's a pineapple fruit sourness that comes from natural casks, which is fantastic and prominent here. It's supported by some grain notes and vanilla, and despite the overpowering fruit, there's some nice oak. The intensity and power of this nose are excellent. Taste: It's like tasting a delicious wooden table! A sweet malt infused heavily with oak. The finish then transitions into tropical fruit notes, a savory and swirling fruity sensation. It offers everything from caramel to vanilla to burnt vanilla and toffee, with an incredible wood quality. This reminds me of a Teeling single malt and a Barry Crockett, but with added richness, power, and an amazing oak profile. There's also a lot of spice, very much indicating it's a pot still, but unlike times when pot still spice is a negative, it's enjoyable here. Some chocolate and toffee notes emerge. Buttercream candies are present. The finish is overwhelming. I don't know Irish spirits well enough to give a fair score, but for now, it's 4.25, and I want more of this.

Outstanding spirit with a fantastic blend of Irish tropical fruits, rye spice, caramel, chocolate, and dark sherry cask flavors. Nose: Chocolate, Toffee, Honey, Mango, Passion Fruit, Banana, Coconut, Raisins, Citrus, Vanilla, Pineapple, Oranges, Sultanas, Dates, Cherries, Raspberries Palate: Cinnamon, Cloves, Grapefruit, Toffee, Dark Chocolate, Honey, Raisins, Guava, Banana, Flowers, Hazelnuts, Coconut, Oranges Finish: Toffee, Grapefruit, Chocolate, Cloves, Maple, Apricot, Mango, Passion Fruit, Papaya, Raisins

A complex profile that harmonizes well. A robust, woody spirit with notes of dried fruit and spices. I also detect tropical fruit and leather. Concludes with a strong peppery finish.

On the nose, I detect coffee, vanilla, and apple. The palate offers chocolate, honey, and spice, finishing with oak. Outstanding!

Fantastic potstill with tropical notes, a mango finish especially. A pleasure to drink.