Tyrconnell 16 Year Single Malt

The freshest fruit notes I have encountered in any whisk(e)y! The aroma mirrors the taste, being very sweet with notes of fresh cantaloupe, pears, apples, oranges, candied oranges, fresh and artificial watermelon, non-commercial strawberries, hints of lime juice and lemon zest, a subtle suggestion of honeydew, and some indistinct tropical fruits. Also detected are candied ginger, sweet tarts, and minerals. It's also buttery, savory, and floral, with heavily toasted dry Irish barley, light clover honey, and not much vanilla or chocolate (the typical bourbon barrel influence is secondary to the other noted flavors). There's a touch of smokiness that is distinct from peat or campfire smoke; it's a sweet, almost food-like smoke. It is incredibly complex. The initial taste on the palate is very, very fruity and very, very sweet; especially after opening, perhaps too sweet for some! Candied oranges in the mid-palate, dry toasted barley and dry cereal notes temper the sweetness near the medium-long finish and create balance, with a small burst of barrel spice near the end at an approachable level that isn't too hot. The lingering aftertaste has notes of lime, minerals, honey, and oak. It's only slightly woody during the finish unless a very small amount of water is added (it is somewhat over-oaked and slightly bitter on the finish otherwise-- however, this subsides after a few months of opening). Overall, quite memorable and appealing. The body is somewhat oily and somewhat syrupy, and also a bit tannic; even the body becomes more syrupy and oily and less tannic with just a few drops of water. Despite the light, sweet profile with all those fruity notes, this is a full-flavored middleweight overall and a heavyweight in terms of Irish malts. High quality. It's enjoyable initially, but truly blossoms beautifully after a few short months of occasional, small pours. You will be in Heaven when you reach the heart of the bottle, provided you don't rush the experience. This bottle was a gift, but I would readily purchase another at $99.95—though I would have to choose between this 16 year old, the 15 year old Madeira finished, or the 16 year old Oloroso/muscatel finish for the same price. I haven't tried the others mentioned, but this is the finest Irish single malt I've had in recent years, and is my current favorite. Highly recommended, as long as you don't mind adding a few drops of water at first.

The nose presents beautiful, light fruity aromas, honeycomb, shortbread sugar cookies, lemon zest, and vanilla, creating an impression of lemon cake. There are also hints of freshly squeezed orange juice and spicy cedar wood. - On the palate, it has a light fruity sweetness accompanied by complex spices and wood flavors. Orange juice, orange peel, honey, pears, light cereal malt, and vanilla are present. - The finish is rich and oily, with continuing notes of wood spice alongside gentle sweetness. Dry oak with a slight smoky barrel char lingers at the end. — Malt Mark: 92 — I really like this one! It also paired excellently with the dark, earthy spice of the cigar. I will certainly be keen to try more variations of this delightful Irish Single Malt!

Chose this over the Bushmills 16 as it was cheaper and at 46% ABV. Bushmills is close to $120 and only 40% ABV. Note that this was based on a neck pour. Nose: Candied fruit, butterscotch, vanilla, cinnamon oatmeal/graham cracker. Taste: Much like the nose with the fruits and bourbon influences coming through. Oily and creamy mouthfeel. Finish: Citrus, champagne?, graham cracker, coconut, oak dryness. Well balanced and I can only wonder what it will be like as it opens up.

The initial aroma was disappointing, as was the first sip. All I detected was vanilla. After approximately 5 minutes, I took a second sip and it opened up. Each subsequent taste offered a bit more. The finish was a bit brief for my preference, and the mouthfeel lacked the creaminess one might expect from a pot still whisky. Generally, it's not bad, but for the price, I think better options exist.

I detect oak and vanilla flavors. It starts sweet, but a stony, metallic note emerges, overpowering the sweetness. This was a present from someone, and it sat in their bar for a while; perhaps storage conditions were not ideal. It's acceptable, but I don't care for it neat. I anticipate using it for whisky sours and similar drinks.

I tend to like my whiskey like I like my men; a little on the younger side. But the 16 years on this Irish single malt is elegant and adult. Finished in my beloved oloroso and PX barrels, I love the complex nose full of gingerbread and sun baked grain. I love the taste of warm Irish sunshine. The taste brings me back to summer days in Phoenix Park.