Roe & Co Blended Irish Whiskey

Nose: Fresh and robust ex-bourbon notes (new wet oak, bubblegum, festive spices, caramel), a whisper of butter, a mixed citrus tang (orange, lime, and lemon zest), a deep grain sweetness, some cream of wheat combined with vanilla frosting, a hint of triple pot distilled barley, some sweet spearmint, a light mocha and medium-roasted coffee bean, fresh caramel with buttery and slightly tangy toffee, a trace of fruity (citrus) hinted molasses, sweet oak, a touch of rye and rye spice (from fresh ex-bourbon high-rye casks), slight barnyard earthiness, sweet dates, a hint of red candy apple, some vanilla, some dark chocolate. Palate: Sweet grain (wheat and malt), slightly dark milk chocolate, orange-infused chocolate, oak spice, a hint of rye spice (cloves, cinnamon, mace), a very small but pleasant soapiness, candied orange peel, fresh caramel that has aged. Finish: Aged oak character, sweet wood spice notes, a hint of red apples/red apple skins, oversteeped orange pekoe tea with a trace of caramel.

A rich, Blended Irish Whiskey crafted by master blender Caroline Martin for Roe & Co Distillery, aged exclusively in ex-Bourbon casks, mostly first-fill. It's named after George Roe & Co, who once owned the Thomas Street Distillery in Dublin, once the world's largest. It begins boldly with notes of vanilla cream & pralines, while a spicy & velvety middle adds notes of ripe pear, leading to a delicate, medium-length finish with notes of biscuit & sugar. September 2018 / January / October 2019 / September 2022

NOSE Dried tree fruit and banana chips, a cake for a birthday with vanilla frosting, plus some hints of baking spice and copper. There is a strong malt taste present, or at least it appears that way with the sweetness. PALATE Banana, caramel, malty sweetness, baking spice, copper, and a little vanilla and copper. The mouthfeel is like a slightly less intense, but more polished, version of the aroma. FINISH Medium -> Baking spice, vanilla, dried fruit, and a few woody hints.

A prominent aroma of caramel and vanilla heads things up. The initial taste is light and swiftly becomes a sweet, subtly oaked flavor explosion. The texture is a bit dense, with warm, full, almost velvety sensations on the tongue. Curiously, there's a touch of spicy pepper present, which persists for a while. This might be a consequence of the somewhat elevated alcohol content. In sum, an excellent canvas for imaginative mixed drinks, or sipping neat with ice to foster some lively conversation at your next get-together.

Butter cookie with vanilla and the faintest hint of banana on the nose, followed by a sugary shortbread sweetness on the palate, with an impressive amount of barrel character on the finish that develops into tannins after a moderate duration. A nice pour.

Deep, strong chocolate and wood aromas. The initial taste is sweeter, though still chocolatey, with more spice than typical Irish. Undertones of leather, molasses, and nutmeg emerge. It finishes with an oily texture, showcasing cinnamon and a slight sharpness. A satisfying pour for the cost.