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

Did a large splurge on Scotch in the last month. Decided I wanted to try a really peaty type since I tend to prefer really strong flavours in most things, so bought a bottle of Ardbeg Uigeadail at a duty free. Absolutely delicious, just great stuff. So between sales in the south and a trip to Newry last weekend I've since bought Ardbeg 10, Laphroaig 10 and Talisker 10. Think I'd class Ardbeg as my favourite (so richly flavoured) but the Laphraoig might be the most interesting (like a tasty, salty groundwater). Talisker I haven't had too much of yet, but so far it's doing the least for me. I think there's something in the finish that tasted soapy/chemically to me but hopefully that might dissipate as I get used to it.

On a side note it did make me wonder if we'll ever start to see Irish whiskey match Scotch in terms of having such interesting flavours at a reasonable price point? At the moment there's just not the same value to be had from a lot of Irish stuff around the €50 mark in comparison to Scotch. Now I know the Irish industry is quite young overall in comparison to Scotland (and we've higher taxes etc) but I do feel that most of the time a lot of our stuff is wildly overpriced and often not that distinct from each other.

Probably not a new opinion, I think it just really dawned on me over the last month or so.

Opened the Ardbeg Wee Beastie last night. Presently surprised. Lots of smoke but morsly front end and lovely citrus to it. Not a long finish by any means but still nice and sweet.

Also, my brother wants to get a nice bottle to share with me and my dad for Christmas - Irish. His budget is €100. I've had neither but I suggested Redbreast Cask Strength or 15 year old, which would you folks recommend?

Received my order (very well packages as usual), and you don't have to break the bottle - easily removed, and really is rather a nice gift set at the price, with the bonus of the donation which is made for each one. Indicated limited edition, though how limited, who knows - I think these were on sale in the Midleton distillery shop also

I've been gifted a bottle of Penderyn Celt and was wondering if anyone's tried it? I'm more of a Bourbon drinker myself.

A lot of flippers will be unhappy that they have released more bird feeders. I know one lad who has three from last year hoping to sell them on.

Anyone purchase the Waterford Whisky Micro Cuvee: Hearth? Grabbed a bottle yesterday. Can't see them lasting too long...

Very interesting tasting in Celtic whiskey fest tonight, "Tullamore Dew, Casks with Character".

Really broadens Your mind on what they are doing. Some very interesting whiskeys on show. Looking forward to some of the whiskeys coming down the track with them.

Picked up a bottle of Boann New Make spirit which went on sale yesterday. Only a 200ml bottle but at 63% it's probably better that it is.

Single Pot Still “New Born” New Make Spirit

€24,95

20cl

Voted World’s Best New Make & Young Spirit at World Whiskies Awards in March 2021

Boann Distillery’s mixed mashbill Single Pot Still Spirit won the World’s Best New Make Spirit at the World Whiskies Awards 2021.

This “New Born” New Make Spirit has been produced in Boann Distillery’s state-of-the-art distillery, which is the first in Ireland to employ nano-technology and pioneering sub coolers.

This Single Pot Still Spirit is a mash of 40% malted barley, 55% green barley, 3.75% oats and 1.25% rye.

Bottled at 63% ABV. This is your opportunity to taste the Best New Make Spirit in the World!

Voted World’s Best New Make and Young Spirit in 2021 • Colourless • 63% ALC/VOL

Have one on order, should be an interesting one.

Managed to bag a bottle of Dingle batch 6 CS which I think is an absolute belter

Don't see the point of new make tbh, the whole point of whisk(e)y is the wood.

Where you get get one from, haven't been able to find one myself

Around that time, IDL rebranded Green Spot and Redbreast and released Yellow Spot and Power's John Lane - thus reviving the Single Pot Still category. Along with this came a considerable price hike - around 30% iirc. Thing is, this was followed by a huge increase in sales for both Green spot and Redbreast.

The consumer told IDL that they wanted more expensive Irish whiskey and IDL obliged!

BLUE SPOT

Mitchells have it online @ 80euro. Max 2 per order. Free shipping over 100 euro so worth your while topping up with some thing else. Also available in Bow Street walk in shop

Yeah I got it in their shop in Sandycove, had plenty in stock. Although he said one per customer!

Apart from new make being a major part of the story of whiskey and being interesting to anyone interested in whiskey, I think it can be a lovely drop on its own right, too.