The Dublin Liberties Murder Lane 13 Year

The aroma is quite strong, but not necessarily in a good way; while it's complex with notes of caramel apple, melon, vanilla, honey, and a floral hint (heather?), it also has hints of burnt rubber/keratin, and a bit too much alcohol for its proof. Not the most promising start. Things improve significantly on the palate with vanilla cream, honeydew melon, apricot, pear, clover honey, coconut, and milk chocolate. The flavors are somewhat light, but they are well-combined with no single flavor overpowering the others. It drinks a bit stronger than the low proof would suggest. The finish unfortunately brings some of the burnt tire from the nose along with pepper, almond, apricot, smoke, tobacco, moss, and a bitter/sour oak. At least it's on the shorter side of medium. The mouthfeel is light-bodied, which suits the profile well, but it's also fairly grainy, which could be better. This whiskey is somewhat disappointing as I truly wanted to enjoy it more. While the palate is delightful, there were off-notes in the aroma and finish that were difficult to overlook. For the $109 I paid, this is a definite NO on value/rebuy potential. There are many better Irish whiskies available at this price or less in the Redbreast range, and for just $10 more, I could get the nearly flawless Yellow Spot. It's so disappointing that I immediately removed the 16-year expression from the same distillery from my wish list.

A fine initial taste, with very little heat or bite. The flavor is quite reminiscent of a single malt Irish whiskey, though not what one might expect from a 13-year expression. It's a direct single malt with a faint hint of peat, contrary to what a gentleman in a suit at the bar stated. For comparison, a €14 pour of Teeling 15 year single grain at the distillery offered twice the flavor of this €25 pour. Recommended for those seeking a single malt whiskey, especially Irish, with a subtle peat note from an alternative producer. If a well-aged single malt is desired, other Irish whiskies or even Scotches are available that fit the profile and are much less expensive than the €160 per bottle at the distillery. The Teeling 15 year single grain was only €110 in contrast.

It's satisfactory. The typical Irish whiskey characteristics are present, but... not worth the cost. Sharp and astringent.

Fragrant and enjoyable. Perfect for relaxed sipping.