West Cork Barrel Proof Irish Whiskey

The aroma is oak and sweet fruit. Inhaling too deeply might cause a slight burn. That initial sip delivers a satisfying burn. Any residual bacteria in my stomach is likely to be eliminated. A hint of citrus peel appears as it leaves the tongue, but it's primarily heat and oak. It's a blend of 1/3 malt and 2/3 grain, finished in ex-bourbon barrels, lending it a smoother profile. The finish is not as prolonged as one might expect. It's remarkably smooth for its high proof; an American bourbon at this proof would be intensely fiery, but this is not. It's pleasant. I do offer a slight apology to West Cork for this review: feline grooming and stomach viruses are not typical considerations or even relevant to a product assessment, but that's my current situation, so I'm proceeding with it. I've now tried two West Cork expressions, and both are exceptionally solid. They might be the finest Irish whiskies I've encountered so far. As they are independently owned, supporting them is a great reason to do so. If you come across a bottle, purchase it. Support the independent producers occasionally. A solid 4 stars. Cheers.

Nose: Orange creamsicle, white grapes, buttery biscuit, vanilla, strong floral notes of tulip/lavender. Taste: Buttery biscuit, orange but not the deep kind found in Redbreast, vanilla ice cream, shortbread cookies, prominent grassy/hay notes, lavender, tulips, honey, dense southern-style biscuits, almost a hint of licorice, parsley, basil, ginger, spearmint

Smooth and pleasant, with distinct notes different from typical Irish cask strength expressions. The bourbon notes nicely complement the heat of this barrel-proof selection. Clean nose, smooth palate, mild burn on the finish.

The aroma features pronounced cocoa powder with a hint of brown pear skins. Baker's chocolate is the dominant flavor, followed by barley sugar and toasted bread. It's smooth and inviting. The finish introduces some warmth and a slight astringency.

The aroma is both sweet and tart. The flavor is rich with a pleasant bitter finish. The sweetness persists throughout and lingers after it's gone. It's a brief finish for something so high in proof.

First attempt. Learning about Irish whiskey 👍. It's enjoyable with a mild burn.