The Busker Single Pot Still (Single Collection)

I always want to say something substantive in a tasting. If nothing else, I like to believe that every whisky you buy has a story behind it, and I think that's interesting. Why did you reach for that particular bottle on the shelf instead of the other? If you've lived with the bottle a while, what type of evolution did your journey with that bottle go through. And if the bottle is astoundingly good, I want to hear all about the tasting notes and complexity of it. On the other hand, sometimes there's not much substantive to say. I first read about Busker in Whisky Advocate and the high 80s review they gave most of the variations (blended, single pot still, single malt) cross-referenced with the lower prices, piqued my interest. Only thing is that they didn't sell Busker in Pennsylvania. Where they did sell Busker was in Jersey, and though they didn't carry the Single Malt, they had the Blended and Single Pot Still. And since I like Redbreast and Green Spot, and since I'm for the most part now averse to blended Irish in anything aside from mixed drinks (the Tipperary is a good one, anyone make that?), I was curious to see what a Single Pot Still that was $27 cheaper tasted like. And now, to the tasting notes: it tastes $27 dollars cheaper. Which doesn't mean it's undrinkable or even terrible, but the nose is like a mix of candied red apple (which I always expect in an Irish whisky) and vanilla with a slight tinge of nail polish (or perhaps nail polish remover...since, um, I don't regularly engage with either nail polish or nail polish remover, but grew up with sisters in the house). On the palate, this one is sweeter than most Irish whiskies, if you can even imagine that, with a mix of lacquered cherry lollipop and Robitussin (which spell check doesn't recognize here but which I believe I've spelled correctly; and for those of you not in the know, that's cough syrup). The finish is short with a quick burn of more cherry candy. And so, in the end my assessment is either that you spend an additional $7 for Kilbeggan Single Pot Still (which I own and haven't tasted yet but have to imagine is better than this), drop the extra $27 on Redbreast 12 or Green Spot (both of which are light years beyond this) or turn this into Tipperaries (probably the best option). I'm giving this a 2.75 because I gave my first review here of Writer's Tears Copper Pot a 2.75 and they're equivalent in quality. When asked to choose between the two, it's a toss-up, but I'd be likelier to spend the money on Writer's Tears. Anyway, here's the Tipperary recipe if you're in the mood for it: 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey 1 ounce sweet vermouth 1/2 ounce green Chartreuse 2 dashes Angostura bitters Garnish: orange twist Cheers! Oh, and p.s., I love the bottle design here. It won't make me give it a higher rating, but I figured I'd mention that. Lovely bottle.

Nothing too wild, but quite flavorful. The aroma is apple and sweet cinnamon over a doughy base, reminiscent of apple coffee cake. On the palate, there's a hint of that doughy flavor, especially upon the first sip, and the spice becomes more pronounced, with a tangy, woody vanilla that, to me, strongly suggests bourbon. Perhaps the bourbon cask has an influence? The finish is fairly intense but pleasant, leaving a nice warmth. This differs somewhat from the (admittedly few) other Irish whiskeys I've sampled, particularly in its bourbon-like characteristics. It possesses a satisfyingly rich, warm character. The flavors are quite bold, though not extremely complex. I do wish for a bit more of the typical hearty-bread pot still character, but it has its own appeal. In an odd way, I almost appreciate the "afterglow" of this more than the sip itself, similar to how you might only realize how comfortable you were while relaxing in a chair once you have to get up. When I try to focus on the individual elements, none of them stand out as exceptional, but after a sip, I feel content and cozy. The bottle was only $28. I haven't encountered many, if any, other single pot stills at this price. I could definitely see myself buying another bottle in the future.

Nose: Cherry Hi-C and oak. I'm not entirely sure about that combination. It's unique, at the very least. Cherry cough syrup, orange citrus. Perhaps some baking spice very deep in the background. Palate: More cherry Hi-C and oak. It's a bit more tart this time, leaning more towards that syrupy cough medicine. Milk chocolate when aerated. Baking spice does develop in the mid-palate with cinnamon, coriander, and a hint of cayenne-spiced melted butter and brown sugar. The finish becomes quite hot with a chili pepper character. There's also a good amount of bitter oak tannin. Some of that cherry carries through to the end, appearing more like cough syrup, but with a touch of chocolate that eventually resembles chocolate-covered cherry. That initial and dominant artificial cherry flavor is simply too much for me. I couldn't get past it, and it never grew on me. After spending more time with it to write this review tonight, I perceive a bit more depth on the palate than I had previously noticed. However, it's not enough to elevate this beyond a mediocre bottle. It's worth trying if you enjoy Single Pot Still, but I don't see myself buying it again.

Another delicious offering from the Royal Oaks Distillery in southeastern Ireland. If the information on their website is accurate, the single pot mash bill consists of malted and unmalted barley, without other less expensive grains common in other spirits. The distillate matures in both ex-bourbon and sherry casks. Poured into a nosing glass, it shows an amber color and presents a delightful aroma, surpassing the single malt. It has floral notes, vanilla, chocolate, honey, and gentle spice. These flavors coat the palate, consistently revealing an underlying sweetness and a hint of ripe fruit. It feels very smooth in the mouth, though not quite as velvety as the single malt. The finish is medium, with a touch of oak spice at the very end. If I had to choose only one between this single pot still and the single malt for a desert island, I would select this delightful single pot still—though I would wish I could have both.

Aroma is reminiscent of a Farmer’s Market in the fall with the mix of fruit and grain and pastries and breads, etc., etc., it’s so enjoyable; Palate is an earthier delivery of the array of profiles in the aroma, but without that “Farmer’s Market” essence since you can’t really taste a Farmer’s Market; Finish shifts and moves from fruity to more earthy but always fades to vanilla taffy.

Initially, I wasn't sure about the strong flavor of this one, but it grew on me. After letting it sit and tasting the single malt, I believe this is the best of the 3-4 variations. It reminds me of a much stronger, more viscous version of Teeling small batch, but with less burn. The finish lasts a very long time. I'll likely purchase it again to keep on hand.