Writers Tears Pot Still Irish Whiskey (700ml)

Writers Tears is a vatting of Pure Pot Still and Single Malt (proportions are a closely guarded secret). It's the creation of Writers Tears proprietor, Bernard Walsh, who enjoys privileged access to the warehouses of certain Irish distillers from where he selects the casks for his own labels. Some years ago he came up with this entirely ‘new’ type of whiskey: a blend of malt and pure pot still (PPS) whiskeys (all other Irish blends contain some proportion of Coffey still grain whiskey). The Pure Pot Still is a style that was once known as the "Champagne of Irish Whiskey" and was traditionally a favourite of Irish writers suffering from writer’s block. Rather poetically, they drank so much of it, some were reputed to have cried tears of whiskey when inspiration finally hit. Although the Pure Pot Still style was once widespread in Ireland, a number of historical factors including the The Irish War of Independence, the Irish Civil War, and prohibition in the United States led to a drastic reduction in the number of Irish distilleries. With this reduction in Irish whiskeys available came the loss in recognition abroad of the pure pot still style itself. The majority of the surviving distilleries began to produce blends and single malts to the detriment of the Pure Pot Still.

Tasting note: Flawless, bright gold appearance. One of the most pristine and delicate Irish aromas we’ve experienced with a deliciously fruity edge including notes of peach and pear over a distinctively Irish pot still base. Several minutes aeration draws out banana cake and flashes of apple along with hints of vanilla and manuka honey. Supremely soft entry builds into a medium bodied whiskey of stunning purity, achieving a wonderful fusion with a gently spiced, fruity, grainy profile followed by a burst of butterscotch at mid palate. Soft, slightly oily mouthfeel. Finish is dry and understated with notes of vanilla and cereal followed by a subtle butterscotch fade. In a word ‘elegant’, in fact, so lacy and light, it’s hard to believe this is whiskey, such is its softness. Must try Irish. Non Chill filtered. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... A glossy pot still character: rather than the usual fruity firmness, the recognisable pot still traits are shrouded in soft honey tones which dovetail with lightening kumquat-citrus tones. Quite a curious,  but always deliciously appealing animal. Works beautifully well: the arrival is an alternating delivery of soft and hard waves, the former showing a more bitter, almost myopic determination to hammer home its traditional pot still stand point; the sweeter more yielding notes dissolve with little ot no resistance, leaving an acacia honeyed trail...” 93 Points Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2010