The Busker Single Malt (Single Collection)

A very good Irish single malt. It's not complex, but has a lovely balance of flavors. Pours a golden amber in the nosing glass. Aged in both used bourbon and sherry barrels, the nose offers baked biscuit, honey, vanilla, and a hint of ripe fruit. On the palate, it's silky smooth, and the flavors hinted at by the nose meld well together. The finish is medium length and seems both sweet and tart simultaneously. Very easy to drink. Not as exceptional as a 10-15 year old, but it's very good and considerably more affordable. Including tax, this cost $30 USD. It's quite new in my area; only one store within a 50-mile radius of my home carries it so far. This is a product of the Royal Oaks Distillery in County Carlow, southeastern Ireland. (Formerly the Walsh Whiskey Distillery—Writers Tears and The Irishman—it was renamed when Illva Saronno, which previously held a 50% stake in the distillery, gained full control a little over a year ago. At least, that's what I've read.)

Aroma: I detect toasted grain, baker's chocolate, caramel apple, and toffee. Palate: Toffee, buttery shortbread, toasted grain, and vanilla oakiness. This is bottled at a higher proof than most Irish whiskeys at 84 proof, so there's a slight warming sensation on the finish. The only other single malt Irish whiskey I've tried is similar; I'd say this compares very favorably.

The scent offers a pleasing depth, drawing out notes from the fruit, earth, malt, and sweet profiles, distributing them evenly and attractively. The taste mirrors this, leaning a bit more toward the earthy and malty aspects with a drier delivery. The conclusion diminishes some of the sweetness, fading into drier fruit and grain elements.

The aroma is malty, honeyed, and lightly fruity, like breakfast. On the first sip, the fruitiness comes through strongly, reminding me of apple pie. The finish is fairly long with a slightly tannic quality, and the apple pie impression lingers. Very drinkable and performs well.

The aroma is sweet with notes of vanilla and nuts, leading to a warm, smooth palate with a touch of spice. It's the top choice from the single collection, offering a full, straightforward profile. While not profound or intricate, it's an easy sipper, suitable as a dessert beverage.

The aroma is delicate, and it goes down warm and mellow, finishing with a subtle hint of spice. I won't seek this out specifically, but it's a welcome surprise for the $14 I paid. The cost almost deterred me. A commendable deal.