Midleton Dair Ghaelach Grinsell's Wood Virgin Irish Oak Collection Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (700ml)

Most whisky drinkers are familiar with American and European oak and the impact different woods can have on flavour. Now you can add Irish oak to your list: Midleton's reputation for innovation continues with the first ever Irish whiskey to be finished in virgin Irish Oak Hogsheads. Initially matured for between 15 and 22 years in ex-Bourbon casks, the whisky was married together before being filled into native oak barrels harvested from 130 year old oak trees from Grinsell’s Wood, within the Ballaghtobin Estate in Co. Kilkenny. According to irishwhiskey.com, "analysis shows that the Irish oak contains higher levels of some lignin derivative compounds, such as vanillin and vanillic acid, and furfural, in comparison to American and Spanish oak. These compounds further enhance the whiskey with vanilla, caramel and chocolate flavours, which are detectable on the nose."

Very limited stocks.

Other reviews... [58.1% bottling reviewed] An odd hybrid of Kentucky & Irish...but a thoroughbred of course...that is probably one of the great deliveries of the year. Absolutely abounds with pot still character; both being hard as nails and soft as a virgin's kiss....for heaven's sake. This is just too ridiculously beautiful ...and so unmistakably Irish for all the virgin oak. Truly world class. 97 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2016

Virgin Irish oak-finished Midleton single pot still whiskeys aged from 15 to 22 years take pot still into exciting new territory. The native pot still spiciness is enveloped by chocolate-covered honeycomb, toasty oak, spotty bananas, and a barista’s coffee scoop, though a dash of water picks out lemongrass and rubbed mint. A silky smooth mouthfeel of succulent fruits is shaken down with cocoa powder. Black currant squares up as heavy pot incarnate. Clove-spiked stewed apple weighs into a lengthy finish. 58.2% Alc./Vol. 90 points
- www.maltadvocate.com (Summer 2015) Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick