Whiskey Secret Santa

irish_goat

Apologies for the delay in getting round to my samples. Between nights out, a wedding and family events I've barely been in the house for an evening so only got round to them the other night.

Sample 1 (43%)

Straight away I was thinking this was an Islay. Big classic hit of brine and peat smoke. Vanilla and sherry notes in the background. Flavour is much more on the fruity, sherry side with lots of raisins, apple and then the smoke gently filling the palate. I've not had Lagavulin in years(primarily due to how pricey it is) so it was great to get a sample of this. I'm not sure I'll splash out on a bottle as it's a bit above my price range but I'm due in Scotland next month so I'll definitely keep an eye out for others in the range when I'm over.

Sample 2 (62%)

I could tell this was a stronger whiskey as there was a lot more booze on the nose but not in a harsh sense. Much more citrusy and fresher than the 1st sample. Flavour had the warmth of booze but no harshness. I snuck a peak at the accompanying note and wasn't too surprised to see West Cork mentioned as it has a similar profile to others I've had from their range. I figured it had been a cask strength but was impressed with how drinkable it was.

Reveal:

#1 Lagavulin The Distillers Edition PX matured(distilled 2006, bottled 2021)

#2 West Cork Cask Strength Malt & Grain Blend

Thanks to Santa for sending. Very much enjoyed both, no surprises the Lagavulin was the pick of the bunch but very happy to get both.

Electric Nitwit

@irish_goat, those were from me, delighted you liked them

The Lagavulin Distiller's Edition is generally my favourite whiskey. Their 16 is still great, but I think this is another level

The West Cork I struggled with a bit. I grew up in the UK and, as such, most of my less common bottles are scotch. I really wanted to include Irish but I had very little that I didn't think you'd have tried. I got two minis of that West Cork Cask Strength from the Tiny Tipple closing sale so we had one each. Like you, I thought it carried the flavour through the strength very well, usually I'd expect ones that strong to be little more than alcohol

And thanks again for mine. Hopefully you saw my comments above, they were really appreciated!

DARK-KNIGHT

Hi folks apologies I haven't posted my thoughts on the samples I received

I was very sick over Christmas and am just getting back on track now

I'll post my thoughts over the next few nights

Happy new year to you all

ZV Yoda

Firstly, apologies to my secret Santa for taking so long to get around to reviewing the samples. A combination of illness & Christmas festivities meant I only got round to sampling these recently. I sampled in the order suggested by my secret Santa.

Sample 2 Old Comber Irish Whiskey. Single Pot Still 46%

Nose – Vanilla, toffee

Palate – creamy & nutty

Finish – sweet / spicy

I wasn't sure what this was until I read the notes. I've never heard of Old Comber before. Quite liked this. Reminded me of a less creamy smooth version of RB 12. I’d definitely pick it up if I saw it on a shelf.

Sample 1 Teelings Blackpitts Peated Single Malt Irish 46%

Nose – Peat, slightly smoky (but not as smoky as an Islay for example)

Palate – smoky, citrus, butterscotch, creamy

Finish – creamy, vanilla

I guessed this might be a Connemara, so wasn't too fat off the mark. Have to confess, I’ve had a bottle of Blackpitts previously and really liked it. I’m a big fan of peated whiskeys (especially Scottish). I love Connemara too, so Blackpitts was right up my alley. Which reminds me.... I need to get another bottle of each!

In my case, my secret Santa generously provided 2 bonus samples – a rum and a poitin!

Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry Rum

Nose - fruity

Palate – dry, aniseed, slightly sour

I don’t have any experience of rums really (does a holiday Malibu count?), so don’t have any real way to compare this to other rums. I’d be happy to have a bottle of this in the drinks cabinet. Always nice to try something new.

The poitin remains unopened. At 63% abv, I may have to work my way up to that one 😀

Thanks again to secret Santa – and apologies for the delayed write-up!

Electric Nitwit

I was obviously vocal enough about how much I'd enjoyed the whiskies I received, as I just got a bottle of Dark Silkie Cask Strength for my birthday 🙂

irish_goat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120117971#Comment_120117971

Excellent.

Hodors Appletart

based on the posts here I tried a Dark Silkie last night when I was out, it is indeed a lovely dram

Beanstalk

I love Dark Silkie but I love the Midnight Silkie even more! the slight sourness from the wine casks is lovely