Tyrconnell 16 Year Oloroso & Moscatel Cask Finish

This is nicely done; a very enjoyable sipper. That said, it certainly isn't blowing me away. I'm leaning in favor of it slightly over another bottling, but not by a large margin. This seems a bit more complete, but not as much more as I'd hoped. Still, I won't be too down on it since it's quite tasty. In terms of a score, this is certainly no lower than a 16. Sure, it's not the most complex and mature, but it definitely is decadent. I'm thinking a 17 or 18. I see how some can really love these particular releases. They aren't blowing my mind, but boy are they hedonistic. This is highly competitive with another bottling. There's more complexity coming out of that one (a bit surprising for this particular bottling), but there's some sulphur as well (also surprising). I'm thinking that the other bottling is a touch better than the first one I mentioned and that this is a touch better than the other one. Another bottling burns a bit more than this, but it's also more complex and vibrant. Compared to it, this is richer and even has a hint of a peanut flavor. Considering that this seems on par to better than that other bottling and competes with the one before it, I'm going to give this an 18. The value here is honestly not great, but I definitely don't regret this purchase. This might even be competitive with my bottle of another bottling, but that's a hard call to make seeing as this is more fruity and slightly rough, whereas the other shows more fruit and honey with greater maturity and possibly subtlety. Considering how close these two are, I'm feeling confident now about giving this an 18. I've actually been considering upping the first bottling I mentioned to an 18 as well. I don't think that it's quite on the level of the other, but its complexity has really improved with a year of air and its hedonism hasn't been sacrificed. I don't think that it matches the other, but it's better than I remembered it to be. I don't quite think that this is on the level of the other because this isn't quite as mature, but they're pretty close (though stylistically very different). I'm sticking with my 18 here. Great hedonism, but not as mature as I'd like. I'd love to try a 21 year old version of this. There isn't a ton of alcohol flavor in the first bottling, but there's a bit less in this. This is more traditional (and perhaps bland) in its profile, but it's tasty. This isn't the most deep, complex, or mature, but it's hedonistic and interesting enough without being challenging. My bottle of another has some nice milkiness with somewhat more mature grain than this has. This has a bolder, more interesting flavor though. It's a kind of touch call between the two, but I'd lean toward this. The other may be fuller with its slightly higher proof, but this really has some nice nuance. The other is fuller and might taste a little older, but the two are competitive. The first bottling seems competitive with the other based on its (surprising) complexity, but it isn't as full and there's a touch of a cough syrup flavor holding it back. The two are competitive, though I think I'd choose the other if I had to. Although it isn't initially all that complex, the depth really builds with it and the solid richness and awesome fullness really do stand out. This hold up better against it because it shows complexity without getting more than a finger into cough syrup territory. Look, this isn't the defining comparison, but this was an 18 before and it's competitive in the 18 category now, so it's staying an 18.

I missed out on the regular finish 16yr when it was on sale previously, but I did purchase this one when it was recently discounted by $20. As with many others, I taste everything neat unless otherwise noted in the review. An excellent nose with sweet fruit and mild vapor from the alcohol content. The slightest taste brings an amazing variety of flavors. The alcohol vapor is just right, and the intensity of the spice burn seems well-balanced and truly very good. Considering the $80 I paid, this is a genuine treat, offering an experience similar to Midleton Yellow Spot, though not quite its equal. The saltiness in this one is a nice characteristic, and I've generally not encountered it elsewhere, despite trying many options. Adding some air and swirling it a bit causes a dulling sensation on the tongue after the finish, similar to many whiskies I've sampled. Most of those typically result in a woody or Menthol/Mint aftertaste. However, this one is distinct in its own peculiar manner and, like the Midleton Spots, I find it very appealing. For context, I consider Red Spot to be among the finest whisky experiences I've ever had at a reasonable price, worth every cent. I'm uncertain if the standard $100 price for this 16 year Tyrconnell in PA is justified when Yellow Spot is available on the shelf for the same price... but at $80, I can certainly "endure," in true good-natured fashion, at least one bottle. $100 in PA, currently on sale for $80. Edit 5/9/21 --- Okay, so now that's two bottles:) I increased the rating a bit because, well, it's whisky enjoyment.

Nose: Unripe banana, tart apple, pineapple, sweet floral hints, honey, mint, tangerine, caramel, vanilla, lemon, cinnamon, cocoa, clove, dry oak, apricot, fig, grape, slight to moderate alcohol sting. Taste: Tangerine, lemon, tart apple, sweet floral hints, caramel, vanilla, honey, allspice, clove, mint, ginger, chili pepper, pineapple, unripe banana, leather, cocoa, peach, apricot, noticeable alcohol prickle, with a medium-length finish featuring tangerine, baking spice, chili pepper, and unripe banana flavors. This is the second and last Tyrconnell expression I'm trying, this 16 Year old one aged further in Oloroso and Moscatel casks. The aroma is sweet, tart, and rich. It's not quite as thick as the 15 Year I sampled yesterday, but it has tangerine, dried fruit, a distinct floral character, and some pleasant unripe banana scents reminiscent of Green Spot. The taste is very tart, but not entirely unpleasantly so. More tangerine, pineapple, juicy peach, and some leathery tannins. This is really excellent, but I detect some of the same drawbacks I found with the 15 Year. It's exceedingly sweet and likely overly tart as well. If forced to choose, I would select this one over the other, as it is less thick and cloying, and it has a bit more presence with the leather and green banana notes. And a massive thanks again to a friend for the generous sample! I appreciated my Tyrconnell experiences and will keep them in mind for the future. These are not your typical, unexciting Irish whiskies.

The aroma is like summer herbs, with the minerality of champagne and a floral scent. As it breathes, you can detect notes of pear and melon. The taste is sweet like honey, similar to mead, followed by orchard and tropical fruits. A citrus note then blends in well, leading to a finish of grapefruit and sandalwood. The influence of the moscatel cask is the star of the show, while the oloroso cask influence is undetectable to my undeveloped palate. Nevertheless, it's wonderful; I could drink this all day! Because it is distilled twice, rather than thrice (as most Irish whiskies are), it has a very pleasing mouthfeel. This Irish whiskey performs admirably as a summer drink, offering complexity that rivals or surpasses Diageo 'classic' scotches like the Dalwhinnie 15 or Cragganmore 12. However, this is a limited edition release, and I will likely have a meltdown when it's no longer available. Kilbeggan Distillery, are you listening?! For the love of everything, make this a standard offering. My Rating Scale: Two Stars: "I'd rather be drinking lite beer." Two 1/2 Stars: "Posh rubbish." Three Stars: "I love whisk(e)y. This is average love." Three 1/2 Stars: "May buy again." Four Stars: "I've got to get you into my life." Four 1/2 Stars: "Better than drugs." Five Stars: "Life is good. Whisky makes it better."

The aroma is mild and features fruitiness, creamy vanilla, a trace of salt and smoke, plus ripe stone fruit. It's very full and rich, and though nearly plain, every element is clear and appealing. The taste is similarly mild, with vanilla, oak, and stone fruit all harmoniously blended. It's not as potent as one might anticipate for its age, but its appeal lies in its restraint. This is an excellent representation of Irish whiskey, exceptionally smooth and easy to drink, with clear flavors that aren't overpowering. The wine finish contributes a noticeable sweetness, but in a pleasant manner. A touch more strength could be beneficial, but as it stands, this is a fantastic whiskey with some maturity that doesn't cost a fortune. The finish is moderately long, with just a hint of black pepper remaining as fruit, vanilla, and oak gradually disappear.

The aroma has green apple, toasted caramel, vanilla, honey, lemon zest, and a tropical note. The palate is honey, chocolate, dark fruit, with a pleasant oak presence and a touch of spice in the finish. I really enjoyed this. It's more full-flavored and balanced than the 15-year Madeira finished version. Many thanks to the generous sample provider. A real treat!