Natterjack Irish Whiskey

I was quite surprised by this bottle. I picked it up with minimal information and not much anticipation, seeking out an Irish since it had been a bit since I'd had one, I grabbed this on impulse. Right after pouring, the aroma was incredible, standard in some ways for a quality Irish but this aroma was close to Green Spot level, which is my top Irish expression. Apples and grains are what typically come to mind with a good Irish, and this delivered. The flavor also lived up to the aroma's promise, showcasing those flavors I detected but culminating in a malty, slightly oaky finish that lingered for quite some time. I sampled it directly against a new West Cork Black Reserve bottle, where I was expecting that kind of finish, and this completely outperformed it. I strongly suggest trying this if you can find it.

A sophisticated, blended Irish whiskey crafted by Gortinore Distillers & Co. in County Waterford, Ireland. It undergoes triple distillation, employing both Irish and American methods, with a mash bill of 20% malted barley and 80% corn. Aged in former bourbon barrels before a final maturation in virgin American oak, it's bottled at 40% ABV. It begins with an aromatic profile of grains, wood, fruits, and spices. A subtly creamy mid-palate introduces notes of apple and basil, leading to a complex and warming finish of medium duration, featuring notes of oak, cinnamon, orange zest, cedar, and tobacco.

From the Flaviar Advent 2025 calendar, item #22. It presents a pale gold liquid with thin legs. The nose offers spicy citrus, vanilla, wood, and tobacco notes. On the palate, expect spicy wood, tobacco, herbs, vanilla, and fruit. It has a light body with a moderately low warmth. 8/2/8/4/15 3.7

Light. Sweet. An easy sipper. It's very pleasant. Nothing stands out significantly enough to make me prefer it over a similar whisky, but I would gladly drink it whenever it's offered.

Tastes similar to Hibiki Harmony. It's soft and sweet with vanilla upfront, no burn, and none of the alcohol burn I typically experience with younger Irish whiskeys.

Pale straw color, with light aromas of spice and tobacco. Smooth, with vanilla notes on the finish.