Tyrconnell 15 Year Madeira Cask Finish

Nose: Sweet and fruity. It presents as sherry-forward. Lightly fruity with significant floral notes and a character reminiscent of Aberlour 12. A faint trace of cocoa powder is present. Other details are difficult to discern. Palate: Sweet and somewhat rich, yet smooth. The alcohol is noticeable but also imparts a licorice nuance. It has a more substantial flavor than Yellow Spot. Its primary resemblance is to Aberlour 12, with a very mellow sherry (or Madeira) finish. The fruit and floral notes are abundant. A malty richness is detected, but it lacks strong character or uniqueness. It's pleasant and easy to drink, but not particularly memorable. There's an Irish oiliness, but it's acceptable. Compared to Aberlour 12, this offering is fuller, partly due to the oiliness. Yellow Spot seems a bit less mature, but potentially more intricate. However, this is oilier and fuller with more fruit, evoking Bushmill's 21 somewhat (though with less of the distinct Irish oiliness found in Yellow Spot). The fruit here is less chalky than Aberlour 12's and is more pronounced. While Aberlour 12 can taste somewhat thin, the oiliness here provides body. Bushmill's 21 is richer, sweeter, smoother, and offers more apricot. This tastes youthful and even slightly harsh by comparison. Overall, it doesn't seem remarkably aged, but it is smooth. The oiliness can be challenging at times, but as someone not fond of that particular Irish characteristic, someone who enjoys it might appreciate it greatly. In contrast to the Bushmills, a hint of white pepper emerges, adding complexity and contributing to the perceived harshness. (Note: Bushmill's 21 also undergoes a Madeira finish.) The developing complexity is appealing. It's not outstanding, but it offers respectable competition to Yellow Spot. In terms of ease of drinking, this is the superior choice. Upon further consideration, more earthiness becomes apparent, leaning towards a dusty profile. A subtle spearmint note surfaces, which is pleasant. It's not as one-dimensional as initially perceived. Indeed, it strongly resembles Aberlour. Further comparison with other Aberlours is warranted. It's quite good, but not exceptional. Finish: The finish becomes somewhat more bitter as the alcohol notes intensify. The fruit persists, but with a definite bitterness. More of that dusty earthiness appears. Occasional floral notes still drift through. - Conclusion - This is quite good, although I had hoped for more. The complexity isn't fully realized. It tastes like an enhanced Aberlour 12, but considering the price, it's not a clear value. However, as I explore it further, more complexity emerges. It's exceptionally easy to enjoy on any occasion. For the cost, it might not be a standout purchase, but it is certainly enjoyable. I'm leaning towards a score of 16 or 17. I would choose Yellow Spot over this. I can also understand why some might prefer Redbreast 12 Cask Strength, even though I don't. This has the least alcohol presence of the three, yet it fails to impress. I briefly considered an 18, but I can't justify it currently. Yellow Spot is currently at a 17, and might even deserve an 18. I'll settle on 17 for this one for now.

The aroma begins with subtle floral hints of chamomile and orange blossoms, followed by apple chips and nectarines, then toasted macadamia nuts, a light ginger spice, cloves, and shredded coconut flakes, accompanied by a mild ethanol burn. The taste starts with a light mouthfeel, beginning with chamomile tea and fruits like apple chips and mandarin oranges, before cinnamon red hots combine with a slight bitterness that builds, then slowly fades to reveal cloves, nutmeg, and light oak with a moderate ethanol burn. The finish is short, featuring stewed apples, mandarin oranges, chamomile tea, cinnamon red hots, and a slight bitterness. This is an easy-to-drink whiskey with a blend of floral, fruit, and light spice aromas that carry through to the taste, but then shifts mid-palate to a mix of moderate spice and bitterness, similar to having red hots and grapefruit in your mouth, which fades into a short finish where light fruit and floral notes reappear along with a milder version of that red hot and grapefruit spice/bitter combination. Overall, this is a pleasant and flavorful whiskey, but the balance is off due to the bitter and spicy notes dominating most of the flavors. I would prefer a different brand's double oak expression for around $60 to better satisfy my cravings for Irish whiskey instead of the $100 price point of this one. Additionally, many thanks to the individual who provided the generous sample for me to try and for supporting my ongoing exploration of Irish whiskeys.

Nose: honey, fig, apricot, sultana, peach, grape, white pepper, apple, ginger, butterscotch, vanilla, pecan, cocoa, cereal grain, cinnamon, subtly bitter herbal notes, orange, with mild to moderate ethanol presence. Taste: peach, honey, apricot, vanilla, caramel, fig, pecan, lemon, chili pepper, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, sweet floral notes, tart apple, mint, cereal grain, a mild to moderate alcohol sting, concluding with a medium-long finish of honey, sweet stone fruit, and ginger flavors. I must confess my limited knowledge of this distillery. Upon smelling the glass, I expected a spirit heavily dominated by grain, but that's not the case here. It presents as sweet, syrupy stone fruits, floral citrus, and rich caramelized nuts. The palate mirrors this dessert-like profile with boozy nuts and fruits, smooth vanilla, and a spicy, gingery kick. In a blind tasting, I would have likely identified this as a heavily finished Highland single malt. Specifically, it strongly reminds me of my experience with Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or. I believe this is slightly superior, but the quality is very comparable. Ultimately, this isn't my preferred flavor profile, leaning slightly towards tartness. Nevertheless, it's a well-crafted dram that satisfied my craving for something sweet this evening. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! And a big thank you to a friend for providing the sample!

Aroma: Honey, Strawberries, Green Apples, Papayas, Mangoes, Brown Sugar, Pepper, Apricots, Cherries, Oranges, Toffee, Almonds, Nutmeg Taste: Flowers, Strawberries, Milk Chocolate, Caramel, Pepper, Maple Syrup, Pineapples, Papayas, Honey, Raisins, Sultanas, Mangoes, Bananas, Coconut Finish: Raisins, Strawberries, Pepper, Brown Sugar, Honey, Vanilla, Cherries, Raspberries, Glazed Pineapples, Apricots

Nose: Fruity, with an exotic touch. Vanilla, banana, orange, and pear are prominent, accompanied by mango and pineapple. Taste: The exotic fruits are still noticeable but somewhat subdued by the malt. A wine-like sweetness emerges after a while. Finish: Slightly more intense than the taste, it's lengthy and pleasant. The wine cask influence is apparent, resulting in a rather dry conclusion.

I anticipated enjoying this more than the Oloroso finished 16 year, primarily because I generally favor Madeira finished spirits. However, while still quite good, I found this one to be more tart, less full-bodied, and with a more bitter conclusion. Despite that, it remained an enjoyable Irish whiskey, and I appreciate a friend sharing it with me.