Pearse Distillers Choice Aged 7 Years

I'm adding this to the app because the older version of Distillers Choice has slight differences in ABV, cask type, and age statement. During another visit to the Town Branch distillery, I discovered they are heavily importing and selling products from their sister distillery in Ireland, which I highly recommend. I bought this and their Mediterranean-inspired gin after trying everything available. I was very pleased with the price, especially compared to American whiskeys with high price tags nearby. I don't recall the taste well, except for its expected light body and a surprising burst of smoke. Regardless, it now sits beside my Pearse Lyons Reserve (I still regret not getting the barrel strength version, though I doubt either are still available), and it's a good start to my Pearse collection. Its light color is somewhat unusual, lighter than expected for 7 years in bourbon barrels. This suggests the sherry, even though it's from small butts (not my preference), has a greater impact on the color than anticipated. I can smell this from across the table, with the potency of cask strength spirit rather than minimum proof. Within the glass (at this moment, my air freshener activated, filling the air with the scent of peonies or something similar), I detect notes of caramel, cereal, biscuit, and a hint of bonfire smoke, accompanied by a higher ethanol burn than expected for its proof. The aroma truly combines elements of both bourbon and fully sherry barrel-aged Irish whiskey. The initial flavors are subtle and take a few moments to emerge. However, after getting past the low proof and light body, you're rewarded with caramel-covered biscuits, honey, and cereal, characteristic of traditional Irish whiskeys but slightly more concentrated here. This sensation is brief, as a strong wave of smoke takes over the palate, causing a pleasant burn and helping to mellow and integrate the previously mentioned flavors. The smoke resembles peat but also carries notes of tobacco or simply charred oak. The finish is quite long, as both the smoke and earlier sweet notes gradually fade, with the smoke lingering significantly longer. This is a truly exceptional blend for an Irish whiskey. I find it hard to believe that specific bourbon barrels alone could impart such a smoky character; if so, I'm very impressed and would love to know which barrels were used. However, this is not a blend I would recommend to everyone; I believe even a novice might find the harsh smoke flavors off-putting and prefer a sweeter, milder Irish whiskey. But if you're tired of the typical sherry-inspired flavors of bread, cereal, and biscuit, this is an excellent introduction to something different yet true to its origins. I would be cautious about trying a cask strength version, but would still purchase it without hesitation. I will be looking out for the 12-year version, hoping its price point is as reasonable as this one!

Final pour