Waterford Rathclogh Edition 1.1

Nose: caramel, apples, fresh rain, pepper, banana pudding, dusty books, lemon zest. Taste: melted caramel, pepper, citrus, chocolate-covered banana, fruit filling, finishing with a waxy condensed milk. More: This whiskey is among the most complex I've ever experienced (and I've had a great deal of whiskey). Every time I revisit it, I discover something new. It's also one of the most oily whiskies, with a finish that lasts for ages. I must admit I was skeptical given the $100 price tag and all the bold claims from the distillery, but I'm happy to report that the contents of the bottle live up to the hype.

The aroma is slightly waxy and becomes a bit citrusy as it develops, bringing some earthy grain and overly ripe fruit notes that evoke the end of a summer farmer's market; the palate is a bit more perplexing, and I'm not entirely certain about what's happening beneath the malt, toffee, citrus, and sweet, nutty notes – there's an odd, overly roasted, slightly metallic taste that isn't pleasant… but it's not terrible either; the finish fades nicely into a warm nutty note and is definitely the best aspect.

A pleasant sweet wine and tropical sensation. Nose: Vanilla, Lychees, Sultanas, Pears, Melons, Papayas, Mangoes, White Chocolate, Sourdough, Ginger, Bananas, Honey Palate: Vanilla, Honey, Caramel, White Chocolate, Peaches, Bananas, Coconut, Apricots, Cherries, Green Apple Jolly Ranchers, Pepper, Brioche, Cinnamon, Red Apples Finish: Vanilla, Pears, White Chocolate, Apricots, Cherries, Honey, Sultanas, Red Apples

Pleasing malty aroma with bright top notes of oak stave. Rich entry with a warm, sugary honey sweetness. A welcoming and engaging mouthfeel. The sweetness subsides after about 30 seconds, allowing the tannins to take effect. The finish is reasonably long, ending on a slightly astringent and dry note. All in all, this is an outstanding example of a semi-traditional Irish spirit.

First open No water Nose - distinct hints of grain and green apple, a subtle sugar note, light fruit like pears and grapes Taste - tastes richer than the nose suggests, caramel and raisins, a brief burst of flavor followed by a dry finish, a whisper of buttery sweetness Overall - quite decent, some flavor notes align with comparisons to Bruichladdich

The only thing preventing this from getting a perfect score is I wish the body was a bit fuller. However, it's worth your money and attention. The official tasting notes are quite accurate!