Any fans of Irish whiskey?

[elkdoggydog]

I started the day's consumption with a Johnnie Walker Gold, which is every bit as Irish as I am. This was because it was the best whiskey in the bar I was at, for I love Irish whiskey, but not Bushmills White Label. A few microbrews later on the other side of the Bay, I closed the day with a Redbreast.

I agree with those who have said that Powers is the best value. The Redbreast, though, is a great whiskey, and it's a real treat for me to have it around.

Anyone have any comments on the Bushmills SM, 10 yo? I've had it once, and I remember liking it. I was thinking of adding it to the shelf. It costs about the same as Redbreast here. Worth it?

[gr8erdane]

I had it once so long ago I can't remember the exact taste, but didn't object to it. Actually picked it up for a friend who is a regular Bushmills drinker. I compared the prices for the 10yr SM to Black Bush and figured the difference was little enough to go for the SM.

[brockagh]

It has changed a bit over the last few years, for the better, I think. There are also more changes to tweak it still, I believe.

Anyway, I always thought I didn't like it, but took a swig from a hip flask without knowing what it was and really enjoyed it.

I started the day's consumption with a Johnnie Walker Gold, which is every bit as Irish as I am. This was because it was the best whiskey in the bar I was at, for I love Irish whiskey, but not Bushmills White Label. A few microbrews later on the other side of the Bay, I closed the day with a Redbreast.

I agree with those who have said that Powers is the best value. The Redbreast, though, is a great whiskey, and it's a real treat for me to have it around.

Anyone have any comments on the Bushmills SM, 10 yo? I've had it once, and I remember liking it. I was thinking of adding it to the shelf. It costs about the same as Redbreast here. Worth it?

[Frodo]

Anyone have any comments on the Bushmills SM, 10 yo? I've had it once, and I remember liking it. I was thinking of adding it to the shelf. It costs about the same as Redbreast here. Worth it?

I would much prefer Blackbush, offered at roughly the same price. I found Bushmills 10yr to be light and easy-going, but not hugely interesting. Blackbush has much more flavour IMHO, mostly coming from the sherry casking I think.

[Frodo]

Actually tried Knappogue Castle 1994 today. Is really a small batch 8yr Bushmills aged exclusivly in boubon casks. For Bushmills fans, it's a variation on a (10yr OB) theme. For non-Bushmill fans, it might be overhyped.

[DrinkyBanjo]

I have found all of the Knappogues to be a bit over-hyped. The last bottle of Jameson's 12 I had purchased I didn't care for either. However, I had it in a bar recently and it was fantastic. I must pick up another bottle.

[brockagh]

Knappogue Castle is grand, but not brilliant by any means. The 1951 is a different story, though.

[texascarl]

I'm seeing a new one locally labeled as Michael Collins Irish on the shelf since St. Pat's. Supposedly from 'Irelands last independant distillery', whoever that may be. No chance to taste it yet, wondered if y'all have run on to it as well.

[DrinkyBanjo]

It is from Cooley, I hear the Single Malt is quite nice.

[Frodo]

Cooley's malts tend to be double-distilled instead of tripple-distilled like most other irish whiskies. Makes for a different flavour element. Not scotch, but far away from the likes of Bushmills IMHO...

[CrispyCritter]

I haven't tried either of the Collins versions (there's a single malt and a blend). However, I've had Cooley's peated Connemara single malt. If you like Islay Scotches, it's well worth getting a bottle.

Nowadays, there are three distilleries in Ireland: Cooley (independent), Midleton (Pernod Ricard), and Bushmills (Diageo, in Northern Ireland). Cooley is the newest of the three, established in 1987. Bushmills used to be controlled by Pernod Ricard, which had purchased the Irish Distillers Group - and there was a period of time where IDG had a complete monopoly on Irish whiskey. Jameson's Bow Street distillery is a museum now; the whiskey comes from Midleton.

[Paulbrad25]

I was recently lucky enough to be taken to Dublin as a guest of pernod-ricard during the aftermath of St Pats. On the first day I finally achieved my guinness wings which I'd been struggling for in the U.K. (we use a differant gas which makes it more bitter) and discovered Midleton's rare on the recommendation of a bar industry illuminate. I can see why they don't ship it to the U.K. if it tastes that good. costs around the same as J.W. Blue though (ouch). Still not really sold on Jamesons as the Irish Distillers prefer to produce whiskey for smoothness (i.e. blandness) and I'm a big Islay fan. I found most Irish whiskeys more akin to a mid range canadian or a Tennessee whiskey although Connemarah (scuse spelling) I also really enjoyed, comparable to Bunnahabin in some respects, though not as chocolatey. I was told later that this was a relatively new distillery designed to fill the gap in the market for a peaty Irish whiskey. (Though not really playing to the rules of Irish style whiskey production).

Fondest memories will be of drinking my first measure of Midleton to the sound of a traditional Irish 3 piece band in Temple Bar, drinking Powers gold label with dinner at the distillery and dreaming about the 1,200 euro bottle of Midleton in the wooden case in the display cabinet in the Gift shop. Happy Days.:grin: :grin: :grin: :drink: :icon_pidu:

[Frodo]

I found most Irish whiskeys more akin to a mid range canadian or a Tennessee whiskey although Connemarah (scuse spelling) I also really enjoyed, comparable to Bunnahabin in some respects, though not as chocolatey.

Hi Paulbrad:

Suprised that you'd compare Conemarra to Bunnahabhain. I've had about 4 expressions of the Buny, and except for one (an IB) they were pretty much bland - and I don't use that term lightly. Conemarra on the other hand I found similar to a med-high peated highland malt with something that...doesn't quite say scotch. Plenty of personality and easy to "get".

[Frodo]

Still not really sold on Jamesons as the Irish Distillers prefer to produce whiskey for smoothness (i.e. blandness) and I'm a big Islay fan. I found most Irish whiskeys more akin to a mid range canadian or a Tennessee whiskey...

As a description of the Irish whisky tradition, I can't argue with your thoughts here. I would disagree with the mildness = blandness position, but I respect your right to say this. If you like Islay and Bourbon, then Irish Whiskies will be a big step down in terms of general intensity I think. Nothing to rival Ardbeg or Bookers. But it does have its own charms - sounds like you found out about Middleton VR!

[Paulbrad25]

Hi Paulbrad:

Suprised that you'd compare Conemarra to Bunnahabhain. I've had about 4 expressions of the Buny, and except for one (an IB) they were pretty much bland - and I don't use that term lightly. Conemarra on the other hand I found similar to a med-high peated highland malt with something that...doesn't quite say scotch. Plenty of personality and easy to "get".

You're probably right, it wasn't exactly a controlled tasting and my palate was all over the place.

On the sunday we were sat in temple bar and had 11 pints of guinness :drink:and 11 measures of whisky :icon_pidu:(from a selection of over 200) and the most memorable thing about the Bunnahabhain was the taste of dark chocolate (probably enhanced by the chocolatey notes in Irish guinness), removing that and comparing it with the subsequent whiskey may be subject to a little error. I'd agree that the Connemarra was pretty unique and I'll definatley be on the look out for more, though range in Irish whisky has only just become common here since the troubles so I may have to wait awhile.

Luckily I had the Midleton VR first.

[brockagh]

You're probably right, it wasn't exactly a controlled tasting and my palate was all over the place.

On the sunday we were sat in temple bar and had 11 pints of guinness :drink:and 11 measures of whisky :icon_pidu:(from a selection of over 200) and the most memorable thing about the Bunnahabhain was the taste of dark chocolate (probably enhanced by the chocolatey notes in Irish guinness), removing that and comparing it with the subsequent whiskey may be subject to a little error. I'd agree that the Connemarra was pretty unique and I'll definatley be on the look out for more, though range in Irish whisky has only just become common here since the troubles so I may have to wait awhile.

Luckily I had the Midleton VR first.

Hi Paul

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself in Ireland. The Temple Bar has about the best selection of whisky to be had on the island.

I don't think the troubles would really have had an effect on what whiskeys were available in Britain, as there just wasn't a large range of whiskey produced here. The popularity of Irish whiskey is growing very fast now, so they're putting a larger variety on the selves. And then there's the emergence of the Cooley distillery.

Anyway, hopefully truely great whiskeys like the Redbreast 15 and a few others will be more widely available worldwide to give everyone a real taste of what Irish whiskey has to offer.

[Nebraska]

Haven't had Irish whiskey for years...and I do mean YEARS. This winter I decided to pick up a few bottles.

Had heard good things about Red Breast and I was not disappointed. I generally cannot find too great of deals around here, but the Red Breast was unexpectedly lower than I thought. Got it for $35 a bottle, which I thought was an exceptional value after tasting it!

I also picked up a bottle of Midleton very rare, but as of yet have not cracked the bottle. This was not the exceptional value the Redbreast was...lol. Of course I may have a different opionion after I actually try it!

Regards,

Mark

[Paulbrad25]

Haven't had Irish whiskey for years...and I do mean YEARS. This winter I decided to pick up a few bottles.

Had heard good things about Red Breast and I was not disappointed. I generally cannot find too great of deals around here, but the Red Breast was unexpectedly lower than I thought. Got it for $35 a bottle, which I thought was an exceptional value after tasting it!

I also picked up a bottle of Midleton very rare, but as of yet have not cracked the bottle. This was not the exceptional value the Redbreast was...lol. Of course I may have a different opionion after I actually try it!

Regards,

Mark

I'm jealous,

If I'd have seen the price first it might have put me off, luckily I tried it before I found out how much the measure cost me, finding it on sale the next day, i would have bought it still if i had enough money on me. Theres a more expensive one also, a vintage, I'll have to save my pocket money for the next trip.

[brockagh]

There's a Midleton 20th anniversary, celebrating 20 years of Midleton Very Rare, that's 2,000 euro. Madness.

The first Midleton Very Rare, the 1994, can sell for up to 1,000 euro. It can be occasionally be picked up on eBay for much cheaper,though.

[Paulbrad25]

Thanks for the clarification, I've just found a supplier for midleton's in the U.K. as well; Arthur Rackham Emporium, about £120 but I think I'd prefer to go back to Dublin to get my own, just for the craic.

[doubleblank]

I am about half way through my current visit to Ireland. I've liked the Red Breast 12yo for a long time so picked up two bottles of the 15yo. Its a real WOW of an irish whiskey. More flavor across the middle and the finish lasts forever. Much better than the Middleton's and about $40 less. The store manager believes it won't ever see wide distribution.....his shop in Dublin and a few merchants in France and Germany was his guess. Anyway, I second the notion that this is great stuff.

Randy

[brockagh]

I know Ally from the whiskey shop. I hope you didn't pay the tax (since you're from outside the EU). I got the impression that this whiskey is not going to be continued, but they weren't 100% sure.

If you like your whiskies, I would recommend you go to the Temple Bar, in Temple Bar. It's got probably the largest selection of whisk(e)y for sale in Ireland.

Another good place to go, if you happen to be at that end of the country, is this place in Co. Clare - http://www.irishwhiskeybar.com/location.html .

Hope you have a good trip.

[Gillman]

Or Mitchell and Sons in Dublin, the last retailer to offer its own pure pot still (Green Spot. I heard too they sell a special 12 year old version although I think Green Spot is best not too aged).

Gary

[brockagh]

Yes, the two new Green Spot special editions were produced to celebrate the shop's 200th anniversary. It's a lovely shop and very close to the Celtic Whiskey Shop - one street down.

[doubleblank]

Our last two nights will be near Doolin.....just a short drive from O'Loclainns. We'll definitely give it a try and report back. Thanks.

Currently enjoying some Powers 12yo....its good too.

Randy