The Dubliner Bourbon Cask Aged

I'm starting to review the bottles received for Christmas, beginning with the one that received the lowest rating and working my way up. A coworker, aware of my liking for whisky but mindful of their budget, gave me this bottle. Regardless of the tasting outcome, their purchase was thoughtful and considerate, and I appreciate having it. Furthermore, it's a great pour! Marketed as an Irish blend with limited information, this significantly outperforms expectations, much like an Irish equivalent of Wild Turkey 101. The nose is subtle but pleasant, lacking the harsh metallic grain notes found in Jameson or other budget blends. I suspect a high malt content. The taste is where it truly excels: like warm honey on a hot, buttered roll at Thanksgiving, with the biscuity, malty finish characteristic of many Irish whiskies. I'm enjoying this! At $23 a bottle, I might keep it as a fine daily drinker. Unfortunately, I believe this pour has suffered from a low distiller rating and minimal attention. It's not a revolutionary whiskey, but it doesn't deserve the middling mid-70s rating it received. I'd give it at least an 85-86. Cheers!

I opened this bottle some time ago with my father and some family friends. I purchased my bottle for just over $20. Most of us in the group primarily drank Bourbon, and one person preferred Scotch. This Dubliner Irish Whiskey was a spirit most of us enjoyed. I favor Bourbons for their full flavors and sweetness, and I like Rye for its spiciness. I really like this for its sharpness and bolder taste. I've tried several Irish whiskeys, and this has the best flavor among the "entry-level" Irish whiskeys, namely Bushmills, Jameson, and Tullamore Dew. I don't include Powers in that category as it's a bit pricier. I usually prefer Dew over the others and have several varieties of it at home, but I found the flavor of Dubliner to be very appealing. Initially, it's sharp and fruity, especially with ice, and the taste lingers in my mouth much like Bourbons do. The flavor remains easily in my mouth between drinks and becomes pleasant and smoother. I genuinely enjoy this whiskey for relaxed conversation, and it pairs well with fruits and cheeses. It's a solid choice that surpasses the introductory Irish whiskey selection without being expensive.

Nose: Faint, grainy, alcoholic, a touch of fruit and a memory of honey. It's clear but too subtle and weak to offer anything engaging. Palate: Sweet but harsh and uncomplicated on entry. The development reveals a broader range of harsh spice but it is mostly a very grainy palate. The consistency is thin and watery. Rather than a mix of malt and grain whisky, this is more akin to a blend of grain whisky and vodka. Finish: Brief. Harsh and grainy with no persistence and no lingering sensation beyond the bland sweetness of ethanol. This is poor value and definitely not a whisky for sipping. It performs better as a mixer, and with water (especially with soda) you do detect some notes of unmalted barley spirit. The official tasting notes and score summarize it quite well. I would suggest skipping this one (a standard bottling is cheaper and significantly better). "Inferior": 69/100 (1.75 stars)

This blended Irish Whiskey, new to me, is 40% ABV and a pale gold. The aroma is typical for a blend, with gentle peat and bourbon notes from its cask aging. Primary scents include peat, honey, nuts, blackberry, and grape juice. Nice. The palate, however, was quite different. It felt like a young whiskey. A spice explosion hits your mouth initially, followed by cereal, cilantro (a first for me in a dram), and a warm, peaty medium finish. Overall, a good, solid dram, scoring 81/100; it was at least interesting. Cheers!

I truly appreciate this spirit for its boldness and sharp flavor profile. Among several Irish spirits I've sampled, this stands out as having the best taste for an introductory Irish spirit. The flavors are somewhat sharp, unlike other Irish spirits I have tried. The taste persists longer than most Irish spirits, and the flavors mellow as it moves across my palate. The Dubliner pairs exceptionally well with fruits and cheese and is quite enjoyable served on the rocks. In summary, this is a very good introductory Irish spirit with a pleasant flavor. Enjoy.

A soft sniff reveals sugary bourbon notes on the nose, but simultaneously, you get cloudy spice and oak tannins from the wood, ready to dominate any moment. After a few sips, the oak's spice and tannins take over from the initial sugary bourbon notes. What remains is a brief to moderate finish of dry, spicy, and slightly bitter notes, akin to black tea.