What whisk(e)y are we drinking? (Part 2)

kuang1 · 22-02-2023 8:34am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120273292#Comment_120273292

Give it another go on a day there's no soccer on 😂

My friend considers it one his top 3 of last year. I think it's grand, but would actually prefer a regular power's gold label over it!

Beanstalk · 22-02-2023 9:34am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120273292#Comment_120273292

Oh dear! I think, to be fair, something cask strength might have been more suitable to your sorry situation at the time.

Messing aside, I love Three Swallows. Its a big banana bomb but better as a wee gentle entry into your evening rather than a finisher.

Hodors Appletart · 22-02-2023 10:28am

I love Three swallows too - but isn't that the beauty of life. We can't all like the same things.

@Electric Nitwit if you need to find a good home for your bottle, I know a place.

Insect Overlord · 22-02-2023 10:31am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120273292#Comment_120273292

I enjoyed it 2 years ago when I got a bottle on sale in Tesco, but a friend of mine was gifted a bottle last Christmas and had the same reaction as yourself. It's not for everyone, I guess!

Black Sheep · 22-02-2023 10:57am

I don't mind Three Swallows but I wouldn't make the effort to buy it over Gold Label.

Now the Powers 12 year old special reserve... There was a step up...

Electric Nitwit · 22-02-2023 1:03pm

Ha ha, thanks all, I'll try it again tonight when I'm in a better frame of mind 😝

2023 MVR is out, if anyone's interested...

https://midletondistillerycollection.com/midleton-very-rare/midleton-very-rare-2023-vintage-release-product/

the beer revolu · 22-02-2023 1:09pm

Isn't the 12yo special reserve discontinued?

Black Sheep · 22-02-2023 2:01pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120274699#Comment_120274699

Yes, that's the one I was talking about, it was a lovely whiskey, genuinely had a tropical fruit note to it.

the beer revolu · 22-02-2023 2:40pm

I have a bottle of this with about 2 measures left in it.

Citizen Six · 22-02-2023 9:09pm

I have different ways of opening bottles to be honest. Sometimes I'll actually open the bottle shortly after I leave the shop, and have a wee nip!

Other times I'll have some bottles that I'll try the night I buy them, some I'll wait until the weekend, and some I'll wait for a special occasion.

I had a few bottles at work for a couple of years, unopened. Then when I had an office move late last year, I brought them home, and sampled them all that night.

the beer revolu · 23-02-2023 12:18pm

So, I got to try the Rye.

I liked it. I get what another poster said about it being sweet but I think it has a nice dry, spicy finish after a rather sweet middle.

I don't get the vanilla notes I'd usually associate with US whiskies, though.

I think it's a lovely drop at the price.

Would be a really good mixing whiskey, I'd say but I'll probably just enjoy sipping it straight.

Insect Overlord · 23-02-2023 12:43pm

I sampled my Powers Rye last night before bed. I usually struggle to pick up on some of the flavours mentioned in the tasting notes, but, as someone mentioned on a previous page, these are fairly accurate! It was like a tiny Old Fashioned in my glass. Must try making a cocktail with it tonight.

awec · 23-02-2023 2:36pm

Do Laphroaig offer anything at a slightly higher price point than the 10 that is easily obtained? I love their 10, but wouldn't mind trying something else.

Or if not, any other bottle from another distiller that's a step up, but that's not mad money (let's say in the €100 range)?

Electric Nitwit · 23-02-2023 3:21pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120279123#Comment_120279123

There's a 10 Cask Strength which is what you'd expect, very nice. I haven't tried the Lore but that's up around 80 quid I think

My personal favourite from that neck of the woods is the Lagavulin Distiller's Edition, that's normally around €120 I think. £90 direct if you can get it delivered to anyone in the North...

https://www.malts.com/en-gb/products/single-malt-whisky/lagavulin-2022-distillers-edition-single-malt-scotch-whisky-70cl

Edit: hmmm, haven't got this year's and just read a review that puts me off a little...

"I’m wondering whether the Lagavulin Distillers Edition is moving away from its yearly release scheme. You see, the label used to have a mention like lgv 4/510 but since 2022 a new label was introduced and there’s no indication of the batch any more. Even the vintage (and confirmed age) have disappeared. That means it no longer qualifies as the ‘extra matured’ Lagavulin 16 Year Old."

"Quite a nice dram, I still consider myself a fan of this Distillers Edition. However the combination of a low strength, little information and a high price make it harder to recommend."

https://www.whiskynotes.be/2023/lagavulin/lagavulin-distillers-edition-2022/

awec · 23-02-2023 3:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120279373#Comment_120279373

The Cask strength and the Lore seem hard to find in Ireland? Not getting many hits on Google.

Electric Nitwit · 23-02-2023 5:20pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120279418#Comment_120279418

Ah, sorry. I get stuff delivered up north. If you know anyone there they're both available direct

This would probably be right up your street...

https://www.celticwhiskeyshop.com/ardbeg-uigeadail-singlep-malt

Beanstalk · 23-02-2023 9:53pm

How about the Laphroaig Quarter Cask? A much more woody/leathery expression that isn't that much expensive that the 10s normal retail price as it's more in contact with the cask. Its a younger version (therefore peatier version with a higher abb (48%). First time I had it it was like drinking Laphroaig 10 in an old highland hunting lodge with wood paneled walls and leather furniture. As twee as that sounds i bloody loved it. One of my favourites and underrated!

Black Sheep · 23-02-2023 10:33pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120279123#Comment_120279123

Lore is what you want... A great NAS step up. The Px cask would be another option.

CWS used to have both but yes I see what you mean about availability.

Maybe they could order for you.

Pintman Paddy Losty · 23-02-2023 10:52pm

I swore off the peaty Scotch a few years ago.

Was over in Dundee on important company business. The Scot I was over visiting insisted we have a wee dram of some fancy scotch whisky. Thing smelt like my granny's turf fire.

Two of us finished off the bottle. < admin edit >

Never again. Will always stick to the cleaner triple distilled irish whiskey now.

Admin warning, Post edited.

Hodors Appletart · 24-02-2023 2:14pm

Powers Gold Label is 25eur on clubcard price in Tesco at the moment, first time it's been reduced from 30 this year I think

kuang1 · 24-02-2023 3:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120283487#Comment_120283487

Was €23 with them only a few weeks back, but €25 still a very good price.

Insect Overlord · 24-02-2023 8:16pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120278605#Comment_120278605

Definitely a spicier Old Fashioned than what I'm used to (Bulleit Bourbon) but in a nice way. Nice subtle notes of ginger.

Also had a little sip of MVR 2022 last night after all the talk on here about the new release. I don't think it's worth the hype, but it's lovely all the same.

Black Sheep · 25-02-2023 9:55am

Tried the Powers rye last night.

Certainly it passes the authenticity test as a rye on the nose... If I closed my eyes I think I could detect just a little bit of a something pointing to the origin still, but honestly if it was a blind test I could have thought this was from one of the newer small US outfits.

I'm rubbish at tasting notes, couldn't say I detected much of anything distinct, to me it's just dry and maybe a bit herbal... Pleasant. Feels very well put together, which I would expect from Powers.

In the mouth, even at 43%, it's a bit thin for being an optimum sipper for me, I prefer bourbon and rye to be big and chewy. The mouthfeel is a little light and the finish is quite short but not unpleasant.

This will make a great mixing rye however and I would love to see a higher ABV version of this or a further aged version.

If this does well in the US they will definitely capture further interest if they did a "hot" version at 59.9% ABV or whatever, or a 10 year old.

Personally I also like the 100% Irish contents element. I do admire that and it would be a factor in future purchase choices if I needed something for mixing.

Beanstalk · 25-02-2023 10:00pm

Having a wee blissful comparative night cap.

jobrien874ie · 25-02-2023 10:18pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120288684#Comment_120288684

That looks amazing :) let us know how it is

Beanstalk · 26-02-2023 1:21pm

Ah they were both great. Bunna 12 normal is one of my favourites. It was a lot brighter, zestier and saltier on the nose. The Cask Strength had a much more deep rich raisin smell to it.

To be honest they're both amazing but the finish on the cask strength goes on forever. Lovely stuff