Waterford Organic Gaia 2.1

Waterford Tasting, The Oak Barrel, Sydney, November 27th 2023, Whisky #1 Smell: rich, soft, mellow barley. There are fruity notes but these are not “orchard” or “citrus” in character, instead there is a clear impression that these fruity aromas are derived from cereal grains. There is a buttery quality but also a crispness. It is very well integrated and reminiscent of the smell on a big chardonnay. There is absolutely no sign of woody notes. Taste: The initial taste is entirely cereal in profile and has an almost sparkling, effervescent quality. There is some bright ginger spice that is glittering and “precise” but the character of this whisky is 100% centered on fresh, crisp barley. The texture is wonderfully oily. Finish: Medium. Crisp cereal with a creamy aftertaste. This was my first opportunity to taste this whisky since the Whisky Show in May this year, and it was great to have a chance to sit down and focus on the dram in a more relaxed setting. Looking at my previous notes (see below) I had very similar impressions as before, but I was just slightly less impressed and I'm reducing my rating by 1 percentage point. It’s not that this is substandard in any way (far from it!) it was just overshadowed by the other four unpeated Waterford whiskies on display, and as I had clear ratings in mind for them, this needed to move down a slot. “Good”: 84/100 (3.75 stars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sydney Whisky Show May 20th 2023. Whisky #24 Smell: Sweet, freshly mown hay, orchard fruit, muesli (not toasted, the type with raw oats). As it evolves in the glass there is a butter-sugar roux aroma. Taste: Sweet and spicy arrival with ginger, sweet grapefruit, stewed rhubarb, lemon custard with a little clove, white pepper and some fizzy white wine flavors (in some ways the taste reminds me of a young un-oaked chardonnay). The texture is creamy and just a little oily. Towards the finish there is a nutty flavor (almonds, walnuts) and fresh white bread rolls. Finish: Medium/Long: Spicy (ginger, nutmeg, allspice), grape must, light tobacco and a drop of eucalyptus. I’ve been negligent in writing tasting notes recently, so I’m rushing here to catch up on my Sydney Whisky Show tastings from back in May. Two more Waterford reviews will follow. This Waterford expression is part of the Arcadian series and was aged for 4 years in a variety of casks. It displays all the positive qualities of youthful whisky without being burdened by any particular faults. The nose is complex and very “crisp” while on the mouth it initially follows suit but then develops even greater depth and a more enveloping, rich quality. It’s very much an exploration into the many facets of malted barley, as highlighted by fresh young oak casks without those casks imposing clumsy vanilla notes.

Starts with an immediate warmth that's surprisingly smooth. Ideal for a cold evening. It presents under-ripe green fruit on the initial taste, followed by an earthy, oaky finish. The end resembles a semi-sweet confection with notes of prunes, butterscotch, and nuts. No smoky or peaty elements are present. I plan to try it with an ice block next time. Score: 87/100.

The aroma is potent but the flavor is not. Sweet, vanilla, honey, with a hint of smoke at the end. Enjoyable.

A pleasant surprise. Notes of nuts, pepper, and spices. However, their spelling of ‘whisky’ is questionable.

Citrus and spice