Pearse Founder's Choice 12 Year

Sampled at a whisky event in a noisy setting, with a 15 ml pour. Despite the distractions, here are some brief impressions of this bottle. Nose: gentle wood, sweet vanilla, stone fruit. Perhaps a touch of honied pear. A bit straightforward, but pleasant enough. Palate: Decent. This was peculiar. Amidst the distraction, I had to double-take, thinking I was drinking wine. It shared characteristics with a blend of oaked Chardonnay and an SSB. It had a wine-like quality, slightly astringent gooseberry, prominent oak, and a butterscotch sweetness. The mouthfeel was creamy. It was soft and entirely acceptable. Finish: Short. Buttery, again reminiscent of oaked Chardonnay. A hint of tannins and a touch of spice. Unusual. Very wine-like with flavors of SSB and Chardonnay. Intriguing and unexpected for an Irish spirit. Simple, but well executed. While there's nothing wrong with it, I wouldn't buy a bottle or seek it out again. #66 in a series of distiller whisky tastings.

The glassware is unusual for what you typically find here. It's actually quite similar to the 5-year-old single malt, but this is the 12-year-old single malt:) This is an exceptional whisky, with a full, fruity, sweet vanilla aroma. However, if you have a keen sense of smell, you can discern everything listed on the glass. It truly plays with your senses:) When you begin to taste, alongside the fruit, the pleasant flavor of malted barley (I really appreciate whiskys where this is pronounced) and the subtle smoke from bourbon barrels, along with spicy herbs, immediately emerge. I genuinely appreciate this. The long finish is particularly noteworthy. It won't vanish from your palate in a few minutes. So, allow yourself to savor every small sip;) don't hurry it.

Nose: Oak Green apple Spiced stewed apricot Very spicy, akin to an American rye Hot pepper sauce Pickle Caramel Vanilla Palate: Barrel oakiness Slight tannins Dill and/or fennel Green grapes Overall, this whisky is very barrel-forward. While I'm not an expert in Irish single malts, it lacks the buttery mouthfeel, suggesting it's not purely pot still. Quite enjoyable.

You are met with the aroma of honey!.. followed by scents of jasmine and sweet orange citrus!.. In the mouth: the honey continues, joined by cherry and sweet citrus, with persistent caramels!.. A medium to long finish... with citrus astringency and a salty bitterness!... I was surprised by the variety of flavors and smells!... very delicious!... truly recommended!!.

Subtle honey and floral nose; primarily fresh stone fruit, like nectarine, vanilla, and oak; short finish of stone fruit, oak, and a hint of anise; thin body; moderate heat; comparable to a highland scotch; quite good, but likely not worth the cost.

The aroma is rich with oak. The palate is fruity, with notes of peach and orange peel, followed by a peppercorn spice that tingles on the tongue. This offering boasts a wonderfully long finish. Smooth and potent. My preferred combination.