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

2011abc · 09-12-2025 10:03PM

They sound great and you got them for a steal but the 30ml is on the modest size ( €8 post - some lovely samples but going to end up dear unless you really restrain yourself )

Had a fair bit of whiskey in last few days .On that wet Sunday afternoon while the family shopped I hung out in the Irish Whiskey Museum bar opposite Trinity College Dublin .I started with a Dunville PX 12 (€14.50) which is probably still my current favourite .The Bart’s ( Midlands / West independent distillery) was nice too at €8 with a bit of complexity for very little more than a basic Irish .

I decided to jump aboard the ‘Premium Tour’ (4 samples of 15ml and a glass - same price as 3 samples and no glass …!€28) It was great .I think the guide was Gary.

Dead Rabbit 44% was solid

Powers was , well …Powers ( WHY did they take away the gold label ?!)

The ‘premium ‘ was a Kanppogue but I wasn’t blown away

I forget what the other whiskey was so it can’t have been great but I think it was 44% too …maybe an Irishman ?

Next door in James Foxes(?) I picked up 50ml minis of JJ Corry The Gael and Redbreast €10/€9

Sipping these now along with the Ardfallen Aldi 10 I have been ‘promoting’ .The Gael seems to be in a later bottling and I don’t like it as much as the earlier ones where age and provenance were clearly spelled out .It tastes ‘bubble- gummy ‘ to me .The Redbreast continues to star in the mid range ‘arena’ as far as I’m concerned .

How did distillers ever think we were going to swallow ‘no age statement ‘ as being anything other than cost cutting exercises and if anything the smaller guys with higher prices we would expect more transparency from .

Anyway I see today sales are still breaking records with USA being followed now by Poland as biggest markets .Clearly a lot of our ‘new Irish ‘/ ‘workforce’ are keen on it :-) Slainte /Na zdrowie !

odyssey06 · 09-12-2025 10:40PM

@2011abc sounds like a good day about town.

In Celtic Whiskey Shop itself they have 50 mls samples and sets but you may already have tried them - lot of Whistler, Boann, Jack Ryan and Clonakilty. Silkie range also but they are peated.

At one point they had Dead Rabbit minis - must be a bottling for the NY pub which seems to be a whiskey mecca.

The rest of the Drams Delivered set was:

Natterjack The Mistake "heavily oaked" - too oaked / woody for me.

Grace OMalley rum cask - I like rum cask finishes so I enjoyed this but would prefer the Tullamore xo rum finish.

Echlinville the Beginning 7yo single malt - preferred the pot still. I wonder if the just released Old Comber 7yo pot still will be similar.

Beanstalk · 10-12-2025 09:11AM

I've ordered that old comber 7 for Christmas day. The 46% one. I have high hopes that it will change my mind on Irish whisky at the minute

odyssey06 · 10-12-2025 10:16AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124058551#Comment_124058551

That does beg the question - what's the current state of mind?

You've had a few disappointing bottles maybe?
The huge number of releases seems a bit gimmicky?
The high price being charged for releases from some of the newer distilleries?

Soc_Alt · 10-12-2025 10:21AM

Question - What are peoples opinions on The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old Single Malt Whisky.

Im not a whiskey drinker and was planning on buying a bottle as a present.

Black Sheep · 10-12-2025 10:42AM

Maccallan has been one of those buzzy Scotch brands, in recent years, that has become a bit of a marker of luxury, so I do think you pay a premium for it as a brand.

The Double Cask isn't one of the most sought after Maccallans but it's very pleasant and I'd be happy to get a bottle as a gift.

Black Sheep · 10-12-2025 11:14AM

I didn't realise that Old Comber was 'field to glass' and distilled at Echinville… I thought it was sourced.

Looking forward to trying it now, and comparing it to Hinch and Shortcross, my other NI favourites.

There's a real variety of price points in the distilleries listed. Hinch at the lower end, Echinville and Shortcross what I could call the middle (maybe slightly upper middle).

I do think there's a new wave of very good Irish whisky hitting shelves at the moment, I think it of it as "second wave", compared to the guys who were very early to market, but probably you could split hairs.

The price points vary, and won't be affordable for all, but I can't say I begrudge spending 70 or 80 on the likes of Boann or Shortcross personally. Then I'll go to keener priced Hinch, or a Two Stacks blend, the next time. These days it would be rare for me to go over 100, unless a couple of times a year for a special occasion. I think the Ardara Cask Strength was the last time (No regrets there, either).

I drink a lot more Irish whisky than, say, ten years ago. For me, the change was that we have finally started to grow past the relatively narrow flavour profiles of the kind of Irish whisky that was knocking around when I was a child. You still meet a lot of older Irish folks who have a very particular sense of what Irish whisky "should taste like", a lot of it based on old guff about triple distilling and no peat. Now, we are developing - if not the same regionality as Scotland - at least more variety.

odyssey06 · 10-12-2025 11:17AM

Big variation in price on that Macallan if you do pull the trigger, €90 in store in O'Briens but more than €100 in some places.

https://www.obrienswine.ie/products/macallan-double-cask-12-year-old

€93 with free delivery (DHL) from The Single Malt Shop.

https://thesinglemaltshop.com/product/the-macallan-12-yo-double-cask/

002Chris · 10-12-2025 11:19AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124058726#Comment_124058726

Thanks to Suits and other TV shows of the style.

Black Sheep · 10-12-2025 11:21AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124058838#Comment_124058838

Yes indeed. Slow Horses, Succession… Probably others too.

When I used to work in NYC it was Johnny Walker Blue in this niche.

antimatterx · 10-12-2025 01:31PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124058838#Comment_124058838

That's why I stared drinking whiskey in the first place. Big fan 😂.

On a side note, I picked up a bottle of Bushmills 12 up north for £29, so it worked out at €33ish. Looking forward to opening that.

Electric Nitwit · 10-12-2025 01:49PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124058662#Comment_124058662

Had to check the press, but I've got a bottle on the go!

It's undeniably a very fine whisky, very smooth and refined. Personally, I prefer a little more edge in my whiskey so it's a little safe for me, but you could easily drink it all night and be very happy. I'd categorise it alongside Midleton Very Rare, similarly very nice but slightly safe

Soc_Alt · 10-12-2025 01:51PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124059267#Comment_124059267

So it fits as a Thank You gift?

Electric Nitwit · 10-12-2025 01:53PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124059277#Comment_124059277

Ah yeah, I received it as a present and was very grateful

irish_goat · 10-12-2025 02:09PM

Personally find the Macallan Double Cask way overpriced for what it is. You could get a Redbreast 12 Cask Strength or 15 year old for the same price and I think they'd be nicer gifts myself.

Beanstalk · 10-12-2025 02:19PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124058652#Comment_124058652

All of those to be honest. Disappointing RRPs on new releases is the main one. Instant premiumisation in new brands as if they've earned it before they even release it. Mostly the damaging reputation this is doing to Irish whisky by taking it away from the general public and into the realm of collectors or very special anniversary and Christmas presents instead of a local product everyone can be proud of.

To get something different like Killowen it's over €100 and that's just not affordable for me. Hinch have been impressive to be fair.

Then I think it's general lack of variety. Like it has to be single malt, pot still and either way triple distilled.

The old comber being single estate local barley and trying to match an old release definitely floats my boat.

Black Sheep · 10-12-2025 05:19PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124059342#Comment_124059342

I get a lot of whiskey gifts at Christmas, many work related, and the #1 choice is definitely Redbreast. One year I think I got four.

The Redbreast range is objectively good whiskey, but it's so ubiquitous at this stage, is what I'm getting at... I'd be happier to get something more niche/interesting as a gift, whether I ended up loving it or not.

odyssey06 · 10-12-2025 06:02PM

Coincidentally, the Old Comber 7yo single pot still 200th anniversary edition is in the next Three Drams tasting so I look forward to that. Hmm will I hold out until January 8th if the kit arrives before Christmas…

There is also an Achill PX cask and a JJ Corry 19yo "malt" - not single, blends Cooley and Bushmills.

FLOOPER · 10-12-2025 06:47PM

Very intersting article with review at bottom. Quite damming about the Irish whiskey industry here. Don't know much about these guys but it's a fascinatinbg read.

Clonakilty Single Pot Still Batch 1 — Dramface

odyssey06 · 10-12-2025 06:55PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124060134#Comment_124060134

I think it is a point often made on this thread about lack of transparency on sourced product by 'distilleries'.

Although there are encouraging trends eg the split branding to distinguish own product of eg Whistler / Boann, Achill / Irish American, Dunvilles / Echlinville, Silkie / Ardara. And the 'bonders' such as Two Stacks and JJ Corry who are clear they source.

Nice review of the Clonakilty single pot still... well worth picking up when it is on offer for €40

Electric Nitwit · 10-12-2025 10:13PM

Three Swallows on offer in SuperValu, I know there's a few fans here...

Credit to freshpopcorn in bargains alerts

The Macho Man · 11-12-2025 10:37AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124060722#Comment_124060722

First time poster here, was always a big Johns Lane fan, bought a bottle when the newly branded version came out and imo it's not the same stuff and an inferior product. Haven't touched Powers since. Likely won't again.

Currently drinking -

Croithlí small batch 6yo single malt sherry cask - picked it up in the distillery, excellent for the money, really enjoying it.

Hibiki Japanese harmony master's select - quite easy to drink, little expensive but very nice.

Fercullen Italian Gardens series - very poor, especially considering the extortionate cost. Huge disappointment, avoid.

the beer revolu · 11-12-2025 11:15AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124060134#Comment_124060134

A pretty fair appraisal of the industry, really. Interestingly, imo, Clonakilty were guilty of giving the impression that their releases were produced by themselves when it wasn't.

The general lack of transparency around Irish whiskey is appalling both in terms of who has produced it and whether it's been coloured or not (the latter being a worldwide problem).

I'm very happy when foreign reviewers point this out. But there is no getting away from the fact that most buyers don't really care.

Black Sheep · 11-12-2025 11:20AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124060134#Comment_124060134

I think I've read three of their Irish whisky reviews that begin with the same complaints.

They're not wrong in a general sense, Irish whiskey products being brought to market should make absolutely clear if their product is sourced.

Best practice would be for the distiller to be disclosed, but the Scotch don't always do this either, for financial reasons some distilleries don't want people to know that (for example) a Master of Malt Islay 10 year old is Lagavulin, if it's being sold at a lower price point that something comparable in their catalogue.

Anyway, just making it clear you're a bonder (maybe not even a bonder, just a "boiler plate" whiskey brand, in some cases) would be the right thing to do.

But I do also detect a bit of a whiff of "let's put Irish whiskey in a convenient box" snobbery. Am I being too harsh there? Others can judge. If there is any snobbery, it's at the lower end and I'm sure it's not conscious.

There's a few references in there to 'mysticism' in the Irish whiskey industry… Is he talking about the blurb we get on the back of bottles and boxes? If so, I also find that kind of thing a bit silly, but I've read a fair bit of nonsense on the back of Scotch labels too… They tend to go a little more pompous than us, if anything.

When you've got so many great new distilleries doing business the right way, and this has been going on for quite a number of years now, do we really need to include a multi-paragraph re-hashing of these complaints before they can discuss a whiskey that they go on to conclude is really quite good? I would content that it's less of a problem than he's making out, compared to years past.

Maybe their Japanese reviews all begin with a similar complaint about all the Japanese shenanigans about dodgy origins, I don't know.

I will say, the writing on Dramface is good. They're provocative, reminds me of the old Malt Review (?) before the team there went their seperate ways. Some of their takes on particular whiskies have really left me scratching my head though… Worth remembering that being a good writer doesn't always equate to being objectively right about something as subjective as whisky.

Black Sheep · 11-12-2025 11:31AM

I do feel that John's Lane is not what it was, compared to early releases. I wondered if it was my imagination. It used to be the quintessential pot still.

Powers Gold Label has remained consistent.

I will probably get a Three Swallows at the price point above. It's been a while since I tasted it, and never found that it was a huge step up from Gold Label, so I'll be interested to revisit it.

Still mourning the loss of the old Special Reserve.

the beer revolu · 11-12-2025 01:29PM

For years I've advocated for a system similar to what Tequila has. Every bottle has a distillery code number on it. It's there if you want to look for it but it's inconspicuous if you aren't interested.

But then, tequila has an even bigger problem - they are allowed to add flavourings and they don't have to tell you. This has really put me off buying tequila as you just don't know if it will have vanilla or such added! At least Irish whiskey only allows colour.

FLOOPER · 11-12-2025 04:31PM

It is a very well written article and I did suspect a touch of snobbery but I did take it on board and I think us Irish are a little sensitive and defensive about criticism esp about our beloved whiskies and esp esp from a UK site criticising us. I think the chap who wrote it was Dutch though so maybe our sensitivities are a bit hot.

Although this reviewer really lays the boot in saying he'll avoid all Irish whiskies.

"In Scotland a distillery cannot release whisky under their distillery name unless it has been wholly distilled there, which is how it should be. There is nothing in the regulations to stop Glenfiddich buying casks from Glenlivet and selling them under a different brand name as an undisclosed single malt, but they can’t put a Glenfiddich label on it and pass it off as their own.

How that isn’t standard practice everywhere is baffling to me.

Anyway… That in itself is reason enough for me to avoid Irish whiskey. At least we know where the whiskey we have today was made."

Wow.

full review here.

Powers John’s Lane 12yo — Dramface

Definately think this needs a rebuttal.

Also I thought the refference to the price of whiskies of similar quality in Scotland was interesting. Ours been over priced.

Lester_Burnham · 11-12-2025 06:21PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124062511#Comment_124062511

What's to rebut? He's right.

Black Sheep · 11-12-2025 10:31PM

It's true that the casual punter probably would struggle to tell what Hinch (to take an example) products are sourced, and which aren't. Same issue with Clonakilty and others who source and release their own distillate under the one name, or are transitioning from one to the other.

I find it doubtful that the author, a whisky blogger, is genuinely confused about "where his whisky has come from". He demonstrates at various points he's quite abreast of it.

So, I conclude, maybe Dramface just like their ragebait intros to their reviews?

That and maybe a bit of taking a casual swipe at the paddies (LOL).

The Macho Man · 12-12-2025 10:29AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124062778#Comment_124062778

Nothing to rebut other than his review smacks of pompous arrogance. I even get a hint of protectionism and here in Scotland we are holier than though.

It's a fair point and I tend to agree re sourcing but to suggest that's the reason he refuses to drink Irish whiskey is actually childish. I wonder does he feel the same about Japanese whiskey? I doubt it, he just can't accept it's Ireland who might actually make a superior product.

Ultimately it will be the consumer who decides.

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

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