Any fans of Irish whiskey?

[Bamber]

.... If not...can you Irish fans recommend either the Connemara Peated Single Malt the Knappogue Castle 1994, or the Jameson 12.
Thanks.

They're all completely different:

KC 1994 had a typical Bushmills nose and taste, but is cleaner and fresher than the 10yo or 16yo. If you don't like Bushmills avoid this.

Connemara tastes exactly like a peated Scotch, which is not too surprising as it is made exactly the same way. Lovely whiskey, but if you don't like peat forget it.

Jameson 12yo is a wonderfully complex blend, with a strong poststill influence. If you like Redbreast you should like this too. It is the only one, which 'tastes uniquely Irish' - as it contains potstill.

[T47]

Thanks for the info. My only "Peat" expierience is with McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt Whiskey. I tried it early on, just after discovering my enjoyment of Bourbon. I did not enjoy the smell or the flavor much. One of my friends said it is like a "peaty scotch". I think I will stay away from that one for now, thanks for the info.

[Bamber]

Not had the pleasure of McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt Whiskey. I've heard it is a little young and feinty. I'd think the Connemara is a lot cleaner and with respect to McCarthy's, probably better made (there I go judging a whiskey I've not sampled !)

If you're tempted by Connemara, try some Ardbeg, Lagavulin or Laphroaig in a bar. If you can cope with them, the Connemara will be easy. Ardbeg is probably closest (not that close though), but much peatier.

[DrinkyBanjo]

If you do not like the smell of McCarthy's at all then you most likely will not like Connemara or peated SMS.

[T47]

I have a buddy who is going to England in a few weeks. There is a chance he will have room in a bag to bring home a bottle of something for me, and I was thinking maybe there is a good Irish Whiskey that I can't find here in the States? Anyone know what the Duty Free might have as he is leaving?

[brockagh]

I think Jameson Gold is usually available at the Duty Free. There's a big World of Whisky in one of the London airports, so they should have a good range.

[DrinkyBanjo]

The Shannon Duty Free had a good selection of Irish. I would recommend Jameson Gold or Bushmills 1608 (I didn't see this in Shannon). They also had some Bushmills "Select Cask".

[T47]

Ok, one last question. Is the Jameson Gold not available in the US? And if I ask him to look for this bottle how much $$ am I talking if you know?
Thanks guys. I figure as long as the offer is out there, I should try and take advantage of it!

[brockagh]

It was originally made for the duty free market, so it's not supposed to be available elsewhere. I think it will cost about 40 euro, which would be about $47.

[DrinkyBanjo]

Jameson Gold was available in the US for a very short time. I know where there is a bottle for $75 if you want it.

PM me if you want me to pick it up.