What Whisky/Whiskey are we drinking this month?

Black Sheep

Over the weekend I was in a restaurant and had a post-dinner whisky ... Curragh single malt Atlantic kombu seaweek cask...

I gather they take virgin oak, and there is a process whereby kombu kelp is burned to char the inside. I can't be bothered to dig up any more research on this process but, for what it's worth, this is one of the most bonkers Irish whisky offerings I've had in many a year. Perhaps the most maverick since Teeling Hybrid?

Honestly I expected something with a profile akin to Sliabh Liag's An Dulaman, but perhaps with the seaweed note even more muted.

The server mentioned that this whisky had a massive umami to it. Pffff, I thought, I'll believe it when I try it. However, she was 100% correct. Moreso to the fore than anything else in fact, the mouthfeel was very chewy and buttery. I presume it's related to the kombu burning process.

I would struggle to say this is a great whisky, but it's a very unusual one. Murky, buttery and not like anything else I've had. Perhaps ever. Not sure that's actually a good thing, but I would certainly try it again to see what I thought a second time.

Starlord_01

Spent the weekend up North, took advantage of the Redbreast being priced at only £5.50 in the hotel bar

Cazale

Black Sheep wrote:

The server mentioned that this whisky had a massive umami to it. Pffff, I thought, I'll believe it when I try it. However, she was 100% correct. Moreso to the fore than anything else in fact, the mouthfeel was very chewy and buttery. I presume it's related to the kombu burning process.

One of the notes at the tasting I was at was roast chicken skin. I liked it for it's uniqueness but I'm not sure I'd buy a bottle.

rob316

Dont be at yourself wrote: »

It’s always a moment of real anxiety when I’m in the mood for a hot whiskey and don’t want to use the good stuff.

Thankfully was gifted some Proper 12 a while ago so I’ve been able to use that guilt-free!

About all its good for.

Black Sheep

Cazale wrote: »

One of the notes at the tasting I was at was roast chicken skin. I liked it for it's uniqueness but I'm not sure I'd buy a bottle.

Makes sense. I think savoury is the word I would use for this whisky, wouldn't come to me before.

I agree I wouldn't buy a bottle for myself, but I'm going to get a bottle for a friend... A lover of all things weird.

Starlord_01

Starlord_01 wrote: »

Just seen it's exclusive to Midleton, Bow Street & Terminal 2 in the airport.

According to Twitter it'll be available on the Jameson online store in the coming weeks, €45.

[Update] A friend was in Midleton on Saturday, they were sold out when he was there but they said it will be online this week.

killbillvol2

L Mulligan Highland Park Tasting

Highland Park Tasting Friday 2nd October 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

If you know us well enough at L Mulligan Whiskey Shop then you know we love a drop or two of Highland Park, so we are delighted to bring this to our virtual tastings. We will be joined by global brand ambassador Martin Markvardsen who will guide us through 8 whiskies (it could have been more we had to narrow it down!). We think Martin enjoys Highland Park just as much as we do, after all how many whiskey ambassadors do you know that have a tattoo of the brand on their chest!

It will be fabulous insight into this magical Orkney whisky and its viking routes and there will be prizes for the best dressed Viking on the night!

We will taste the following whiskies. 10, 12, 15 and 18 year old. 10 year old ambassadors choice, 16 year old Twisted Tattoo, Dark Origins and Triskelion.

Tickets are limited and on sale at 7 p.m. via the link below.

https://www.lmulliganwhiskeyshop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=hpte

BonnieSituation

That's great value

Colking

RasTa wrote: »

Feck that, treat yourself to a cask!

https://www.celticwhiskeyshop.com/Whiskey-Casks



Bargain...

Have any of you tried this ? It looks very interesting.

Cazale

killbillvol2 wrote:

We will taste the following whiskies. 10, 12, 15 and 18 year old. 10 year old ambassadors choice, 16 year old Twisted Tattoo, Dark Origins and Triskelion.

Be rude not to get this one!

Cazale

Our 3rd virtual tasting is the iconic Midleton Very Rare! This tasting is €50 & includes samples of the 2015, 2016, 2018 & 2019 releases inc delivery! The zoom tasting will be on Thurs 1st Oct at 8pm with Rowan Lacey Brand Ambassador at Irish Distillers.

https://www.celticwhiskeyshop.com/Midleton-Very-Rare-Tasting-Pack

What's in the pack? 4 x 30ml samples of Midleton Very Rare 2015, 2016, 2018 & 2019. In recent years the value of the of the older Midleton Very Rare expressions has soared so we’re giving our customers the chance to look back and try several of the popular expressions to see how the whiskey has evolved and changed over the years.



Zoom tasting will take place on Thursday October 1st at 8pm with Rowan Lacey, Brand Ambassador at Irish Distillers, and co hosted by our whiskey specialists Luke and Alan from the Celtic Whiskey Bar.



Rowan has been passionate about Irish whiskey and other spirits for several years, and began communicating this to others through a whiskey blog set up in 2016. Since 2018, he has been working as a Brand Ambassador with Irish Distillers, providing education and training on the range of whiskeys produced in Midleton distillery.

Cazale

Kurayoshi Japanese Whisky Tasting Pack Inc. Delivery

What's in the pack? 5 x 30ml samples of Kurayoshi Sherry Cask Pure Malt, Kurayoshi 8, 12 and 18 Year-Olds as well as Matsui Mizunara Cask. The Kurayoshi Distillery is located a the foothills of Mt Daisen in Japan, only the finest quality soft water is used in the distillation of their whiskies. For them barrel ageing is just as important as the distillation process, they use a carefully selected range of Mizunara (Japanese Oak) and Sakura (Cherry wood)barrels but they are alos experimenting with wine and sherry casks also.



Zoom tasting will take place on Thursday October 8th at 8pm with BBC Spirits & Kurayoshi EU Brand Director Romain Papillon and co hosted by our whiskey specialists Luke and Alan from the Celtic Whiskey Bar.


https://www.celticwhiskeyshop.com/Kurayoshi-Japanese-Whisky-Tasting-Pack

killbillvol2

I signed up for the Japanese one. Looks interesting and is very well priced. Also CWS deliveries arrive way ahead of the tasting so no drama.

I like Midleton but not sure there's that much difference between the years so I'll spend the €50 elsewhere.

Cazale

Doing a free talkdram tasting with Silkie Whiskey this Thursday. They sent 7*50ml samples!

mik_da_man

Cazale wrote: »

Doing a free talkdram tasting with Silkie Whiskey this Thursday. They sent 7*50ml samples!

Feck!
I intentionally didn't enter that one as I have their releases already, nice selection and sizes to be fair.
Will pop along on the twitter to see how it goes and join in where I can.

Felexicon

Cazale wrote: »

Doing a free talkdram tasting with Silkie Whiskey this Thursday. They sent 7*50ml samples!

They're the best tastings going by a mile. Distillerys promoting their brand to its demographic.
The CWS and LMW ones are more a case of shops trying to recoup losses incurred over the last few months and have a bit of a "how much can we get off people for this" feel to them. Nothing against them. Have done a couple and really enjoyed them

Cazale

Ratheadon Edition 1.2 on sale now.

https://jamesfox.ie/waterford-single-farm-origin-ratheadon-edition-1-2.html

Effects

Cazale wrote: »

Ratheadon Edition 1.2 on sale now.

How's it work with the 1.2? Is it the following year's harvest, or just another run?

Cazale

Black Sheep wrote:

I agree I wouldn't buy a bottle for myself, but I'm going to get a bottle for a friend... A lover of all things weird.

You should track some of this down for him...

Possibly the most bizarre whisky ever offered for sale, Fishky was a single cask Bruichladdich finished in a Sherry cask that then underwent a secondary period of finishing at the hands of its German owners. For reasons known only to themselves, they chose an ex-herring cask for this purpose.

Mark Gillespie of described Fishky – bottled in 2007 at 50.2% abv – as ‘by far the worst whisky I’ve ever tasted… The nose hides the secrets of this whisky well, with notes of malt, brine, and heather.
‘The taste reveals all, though, with sour butyric baby vomit, brine and stomach acid. The finish is salty, greasy, and nasty, with no redeeming qualities.’

Starlord_01

Cazale wrote: »

Ratheadon Edition 1.2 on sale now.

https://jamesfox.ie/waterford-single-farm-origin-ratheadon-edition-1-2.html

€70 here: https://www.ardkeen.com/shop/drinks/waterford-irish-single-malt-whisky-ratheadon-1.2-700ml

Cheaper shipping too

BonnieSituation

Cazale wrote: »

Kurayoshi Japanese Whisky Tasting Pack Inc. Delivery

What's in the pack? 5 x 30ml samples of Kurayoshi Sherry Cask Pure Malt, Kurayoshi 8, 12 and 18 Year-Olds as well as Matsui Mizunara Cask. The Kurayoshi Distillery is located a the foothills of Mt Daisen in Japan, only the finest quality soft water is used in the distillation of their whiskies. For them barrel ageing is just as important as the distillation process, they use a carefully selected range of Mizunara (Japanese Oak) and Sakura (Cherry wood)barrels but they are alos experimenting with wine and sherry casks also.



Zoom tasting will take place on Thursday October 8th at 8pm with BBC Spirits & Kurayoshi EU Brand Director Romain Papillon and co hosted by our whiskey specialists Luke and Alan from the Celtic Whiskey Bar.


https://www.celticwhiskeyshop.com/Kurayoshi-Japanese-Whisky-Tasting-Pack

killbillvol2 wrote: »

I signed up for the Japanese one. Looks interesting and is very well priced. Also CWS deliveries arrive way ahead of the tasting so no drama.

I like Midleton but not sure there's that much difference between the years so I'll spend the €50 elsewhere.

I hummed and hawed about the Midleton vs the Kurayoshi. The Japanese won out. One of my RWC trip regrets was not getting time to get to any of the whiskey distilleries. This will somewhat make up for it.

BonnieSituation

Cazale wrote: »

Ratheadon Edition 1.2 on sale now.

https://jamesfox.ie/waterford-single-farm-origin-ratheadon-edition-1-2.html

Fox's have free delivery nationwide for orders over €75.00. The Ratheadon is €74.95.

Starlord_01 wrote: »

€70 here: https://www.ardkeen.com/shop/drinks/waterford-irish-single-malt-whisky-ratheadon-1.2-700ml

Cheaper shipping too

Bought mine for €75.00 in DrinkStore. Then again, it's the local joint for me.

Effects wrote: »

How's it work with the 1.2? Is it the following year's harvest, or just another run?

Another run. Which I am very eager for, as my 1.1 lasted no length.

Effects

BonnieSituation wrote: »

Another run. Which I am very eager for, as my 1.1 lasted no length.

I'm about half way through my 1.1. Have you got the 1.2 to compare yet?

BonnieSituation

Effects wrote: »

I'm about half way through my 1.1. Have you got the 1.2 to compare yet?

No. Still waiting on the notification to collect. Not sure if it's going to be open this side of Christmas mind.

What did you think of the 1.1?

Effects

I really loved it, which is why I'm interested in the 1.2.
I picked it up in DrinkStore as well. I just spotted it on the counter while they were searching for a new stout I was after. I'd been meaning to pick up a bottle, and heard good things.
I might drop in to them tomorrow and see about getting the 1.2.

BonnieSituation

Effects wrote: »

I really loved it, which is why I'm interested in the 1.2.
I picked it up in DrinkStore as well. I just spotted it on the counter while they were searching for a new stout I was after. I'd been meaning to pick up a bottle, and heard good things.
I might drop in to them tomorrow and see about getting the 1.2.

Gas. That's how i managed to pick up my 1.1. Was collecting a beer order and saw the Ratheadon on a shelf. As I say, it lasted no length.

Ordered my 1.2 there today. Collecting tomorrow.

NIMAN

£17 in Sainsburys NI for Jameson Caskmates Stout

https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/jameson-malfy-absolut-havana-club/jameson-caskmates-whiskey-70cl

Choc Chip

Felexicon wrote: »

They're the best tastings going by a mile. Distillerys promoting their brand to its demographic.
The CWS and LMW ones are more a case of shops trying to recoup losses incurred over the last few months and have a bit of a "how much can we get off people for this" feel to them. Nothing against them. Have done a couple and really enjoyed them

The Talk Dram tastings charge brands to take part and handpick people to participate based on their twitter profile. They are an attempt by a couple of people to monetise a hashtag.

LMW and CWS ask brands to provide the spirit and anyone can pay their money and get a place.

Swings and roundabouts, but I'd rather pay my money to know i'm getting a place than rely on my twitter popularity (i'm not popular on twitter :pac: ).

irish_goat

Choc Chip wrote: »

The Talk Dram tastings charge brands to take part and handpick people to participate based on their twitter profile. They are an attempt by a couple of people to monetise a hashtag.

Didn't realise they charge for it. I've done one of them and enjoyed it. Feel like they don't really spread it out amongst applicants though, same heads seem to always get chosen.

Ivefoundgod

Anyone know when the O' Briens Whiskey sale ends? Have a couple of bottles on the wishlist still after the Knappogue but its been an expensive month between changing jobs and PS5 pre-orders. I'm hoping its until the end of September as payday is next Friday.

BonnieSituation

Ivefoundgod wrote: »

Anyone know when the O' Briens Whiskey sale ends? Have a couple of bottles on the wishlist still after the Knappogue but its been an expensive month between changing jobs and PS5 pre-orders. I'm hoping its until the end of September as payday is next Friday.

When I was in the Lucan store last week I asked and it seems to be finishing on Sunday 27th IIRC.

Cazale

BonnieSituation wrote:

I hummed and hawed about the Midleton vs the Kurayoshi. The Japanese won out. One of my RWC trip regrets was not getting time to get to any of the whiskey distilleries. This will somewhat make up for it.

I went with the Midleton one in the end. I have a bottle of 2017 so I'll get to try the last five years of them. Will be interesting to see if there is a difference. I have some Midleton Barry Crockett and have a sample of Midleton Dair Ghaelach Grinsell's Wood on the way so I'll throw them in the mix too.

Effects

BonnieSituation wrote: »

Ordered my 1.2 there today. Collecting tomorrow.

Did they say how much they have? I haven't had time to get to them and I'm heading away for a few weeks.

Can you order from them and they hold in store? It doesn't seem to give the option online.

BonnieSituation

Effects wrote: »

Did they say how much they have? I haven't had time to get to them and I'm heading away for a few weeks.

Can you order from them and they hold in store? It doesn't seem to give the option online.

I only went and grabbed mine.

Everything is for collection at the minute so they will hold it.

Just order it and stick it in the notes column about holding it. You know how amenable they are in there. Can't see it being an issue.

Felexicon

Choc Chip wrote: »

The Talk Dram tastings charge brands to take part and handpick people to participate based on their twitter profile. They are an attempt by a couple of people to monetise a hashtag.

LMW and CWS ask brands to provide the spirit and anyone can pay their money and get a place.

Swings and roundabouts, but I'd rather pay my money to know i'm getting a place than rely on my twitter popularity (i'm not popular on twitter :pac: ).

Nor me and I've never been successful to the point that I've stopped bothering to apply.

There are definitely a few who are guaranteed a spot in each event.

If I sound a bit bitter it's because I am.

Effects

Picked up a bottle of Method and Madness Single Grain this eve. Great price.
Heading through the airport tomorrow and will pick up a bottle of Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask as it's at a good price, and collect it when I return.

killbillvol2

Bunnahabhain Tasting tonight had 4 excellent whiskys. I'd only tried the 12 before. The 18 stood out. Might treat myself to a bottle.

Ivefoundgod

Felexicon wrote: »

Nor me and I've never been successful to the point that I've stopped bothering to apply.

There are definitely a few who are guaranteed a spot in each event.

If I sound a bit bitter it's because I am.

I've applied a few times but no joy. My main issue with it is the air of snobbery off the tweets that clog up my timeline whenever its on. Jealousy doesn't help obviously but it's still makes me roll me eyes when i see tweets like this; "Virgin grain taste: toasted oak, leather, dark chocolate, coconut, green fruits, almonds, Nutella and horchata." from John with a bio that says "villa fan and whiskey enthusiast". I'm sorry but unless you're an expert on the subject you can get in the sea with that nonsense.

Cazale

Ivefoundgod wrote:

I've applied a few times but no joy. My main issue with it is the air of snobbery off the tweets that clog up my timeline whenever its on. Jealousy doesn't help obviously but it's still makes me roll me eyes when i see tweets like this; "Virgin grain taste: toasted oak, leather, dark chocolate, coconut, green fruits, almonds, Nutella and horchata." from John with a bio that says "villa fan and whiskey enthusiast". I'm sorry but unless you're an expert on the subject you can get in the sea with that nonsense.

To be fair if he is a Villa fan I can see why he would be an expert in whiskey.

Cazale

killbillvol2 wrote:

Bunnahabhain Tasting tonight had 4 excellent whiskys. I'd only tried the 12 before. The 18 stood out. Might treat myself to a bottle.

Missed out on this one tonight. I'll watch the replay next week. Bunnahabhain is one of the Islay distillerys I haven't tried too much of. Looking forward to them.

artanevilla

Cazale wrote: »

To be fair if he is a Villa fan I can see why he would be an expert in whiskey.

I mean, look at the guy who started the thread.

killbillvol2

Cazale wrote: »

Missed out on this one tonight. I'll watch the replay next week. Bunnahabhain is one of the Islay distillerys I haven't tried too much of. Looking forward to them.

Some really good stuff. A visit to the distillery sounds like an epic trip for the bucket list.

On a side note, CWS samples are 30 ml while L Mulligan samples are 15 ml.

Ivefoundgod

Cazale wrote: »

To be fair if he is a Villa fan I can see why he would be an expert in whiskey.

Touché

Hotblack Desiato

15mL sample? Jaysus. Would barely wet the tip of your tongue.

Cazale

Ivefoundgod wrote:

I've applied a few times but no joy. My main issue with it is the air of snobbery off the tweets that clog up my timeline whenever its on. Jealousy doesn't help obviously but it's still makes me roll me eyes when i see tweets like this; "Virgin grain taste: toasted oak, leather, dark chocolate, coconut, green fruits, almonds, Nutella and horchata." from John with a bio that says "villa fan and whiskey enthusiast". I'm sorry but unless you're an expert on the subject you can get in the sea with that nonsense.

I've done a few of them now. I do enjoy them overall but they stress me out too trying to tweet over two hours. I know a good whiskey and I know what I like but sometimes I'll struggle to verbalise tasting notes without feeling like an eejit. With interactive tastings I wonder am I learning how to identify different notes or am I learning how to talk like everyone else so I can identify with them. I don't smell lychee but it sounds right so I'll say it.

I prefer free whiskey than paying for it though so I'll keep applying. There has been some great exclusive samples like last nights Silkie deconstruction. If I had a choice I would rather sit back listening to an expert talking about the whiskey where I can interject with a question.

Cazale

killbillvol2 wrote:

Some really good stuff. A visit to the distillery sounds like an epic trip for the bucket list.

I'm planning to go to Islay for 3/4 days to visit all the distilleries. Was going to be early next year but obviously covid will push that out. Should be a serious trip!

Cazale

killbillvol2 wrote:

On a side note, CWS samples are 30 ml while L Mulligan samples are 15 ml.

Yeah for example Celtic Whiskey/Whisky exchange are 30ml and Belfast Whiskey Week/Talk Dram are 50ml. All the online sample services are 50ml. L Milligan were first to the table during the lockdown but they might need to rethink that 17.5ml now. I'm only doing 1/5 of theirs now as there is so many other options.

Cazale

THREE DRAMS - THE FINAL PREVIEW

€23.95

Three Drams - The Final Preview gives the last sneak peak of what is to come from our new club. This tasting kit is comprised of 3 x 30ml bottles:

Dram 1: Lambay Malt Irish Whiskey

Dram 2: Clonakilty Single Cask Cognac Finish Cask Strength

Dram 3: The Liberator Tawny Port Finish Batch 2

Each purchase gets you access to the online tasting session where you can sit back and taste these whiskeys with:

1. Sabine Sheahan - Global Brand Ambassador at Lambay Whiskey.

2. Paul Corbett - Master Distiller at Clonakilty Distillery.

3. Sir Maurice O'Connell - Founder at Wayward Spirits - The Liberator.

Follow the Three Drams Facebook Page where the tasting will be streamed Live on October 1st at 8PM IST.

Limited to 250 sets.

https://ie.irishmalts.com/blended/three-drams-the-final-preview

Ivefoundgod

Cazale wrote: »

I've done a few of them now. I do enjoy them overall but they stress me out too trying to tweet over two hours. I know a good whiskey and I know what I like but sometimes I'll struggle to verbalise tasting notes without feeling like an eejit. With interactive tastings I wonder am I learning how to identify different notes or am I learning how to talk like everyone else so I can identify with them. I don't smell lychee but it sounds right so I'll say it.

I prefer free whiskey than paying for it though so I'll keep applying. There has been some great exclusive samples like last nights Silkie deconstruction. If I had a choice I would rather sit back listening to an expert talking about the whiskey where I can interject with a question.

Yeah that would be a problem for me as well. I get the impression there are knowledgable people who do those tastings but there's also a significant number who are just saying what they think they should say IMO. Any tastings i've done have been with an expert on the subject leading the discussion. I often find if its pointed out to me i can recognise notes but struggle to identify them myself and wouldn't have the balls to put up a tweet like the ones I see during those events anyway.

I'll keep applying too, as I said I don't mind the organisers running them at all its just the tweets which can be a bit overbearing but I suppsoe that is the point for the distilleries anyway, they want online engagement and people talking up their brand.

Cazale

Cazale wrote: »

THREE DRAMS - THE FINAL PREVIEW

LAUNCHING NOVEMBER 2020
Welcome to Three Drams, a whiskey tasting club with deep Irish roots. Launching November this year, we will be bringing you three of the newest, rarest and most exciting drams every single month delivered straight to your door. The experience we have gained through running irishmalts.com has landed us in pole position to deliver the most exciting tasting club that the category has ever seen. We have strong relationships with Ireland's whiskey distillers, bonders, blenders and bottlers and we will put these to good use.

Subscription will initially be available in Ireland, The UK, Germany, France, The Netherlands and select US States.

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