Recent Immigrants
Of all of the Irish natives that I had the pleasure of meeting during my Dublin trip -- and in this case I mean the liquid kind -- 12 of them I met only briefly and in passing. But I invited those dozen to join me for an extended stay in the States.
That's a convoluted way of saying that 12 Irish whiskeys have joined my collection and will soon undergo a proper tasting. It would be rude of me to have them come all this way and not get to know them a bit better. Though I've had a dram of the Jameson-produced Crested Ten, the others remain sealed until I have an official quorum for a tasting. That would consist of at least one other friend or family member, so soon enough. I'll report our impressions after.
Here are the recent immigrants:
Three cask strength entries in the Connemara Sherry Finish, the Connemara Single Cask and the Irishman Cask Strength, plus the Tullamore Dew Single Malt.
I tried the Powers 12 in Dublin. It is head and shoulders above the regular Powers. The Crested Ten is an enjoyable and reasonably priced everyday whiskey.
Though I've tried its 15-year-old brandmate, I've not yet sampled the Tyrconnell 17. By all reports it Is an exceptional whiskey. I've tried the Port Finish and am looking forward to trying the Tyrconnell Madeira and Sherry Cask finishes.
Three real treats: The Green Spot 10, the Locke's Grand Crew Cask 696 (I've tried the 700. Excellent.) and the Midleton Single Cask.
Life is good!
That's a convoluted way of saying that 12 Irish whiskeys have joined my collection and will soon undergo a proper tasting. It would be rude of me to have them come all this way and not get to know them a bit better. Though I've had a dram of the Jameson-produced Crested Ten, the others remain sealed until I have an official quorum for a tasting. That would consist of at least one other friend or family member, so soon enough. I'll report our impressions after.
Here are the recent immigrants:
Three cask strength entries in the Connemara Sherry Finish, the Connemara Single Cask and the Irishman Cask Strength, plus the Tullamore Dew Single Malt.
Life is good!
Posted by Richard Nagle at 2/11/2010 5:53 PM 
Categories: Connemara, Midleton, Lockes Grand Crew, Green Spot, Tyrconnell, Tullamore Dew, The Irishman, Powers 12, Jameson
Categories: Connemara, Midleton, Lockes Grand Crew, Green Spot, Tyrconnell, Tullamore Dew, The Irishman, Powers 12, Jameson
Rich, just picked up the Powers 12 year old on Sunday. About $35 in Michigan. Quite nice. Save me a spot at the tasting! If only......
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Excellent haul there Rich, I am actually pretty impressed that you managed to bring 10 home with you. You must of been a nervous wreck checking in your baggage
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Adrian! Hello! Actually, half of the whiskey I toted along safely in their sealed Duty Free bags, so no worry there. The others I made arrangements for them to travel separately, on a different date, as unaccompanied minors (the oldest being 17 years old, you know). In other words, they were shipped. All in all it worked fabulously well. I not only hope to make it back before very long, I also hope to get a chance to connect with you at an IWS tasting, or way out west there. I will be sure to give you notice once plans are set so we can make arrangements. Sláinte Mhaith!
Rich
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Delighted to see The Irishman Cask Strength there. I look forward to hearing your comments on it.
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As am I! I hope to have a crack at it this weekend. The "70" and Single Malt are very well regarded here. And while I have not tried the Hot Irishman, i had my first sample of the Irishman Irish Cream at a local liquor store recently. I'm not usually a sweet drinker, but I was impressed with it. It did not have any of the cloying, syrupy sweetness as in other Irish creams. It tasted, well, real, authentic, or more natural. I'm hoping to take a closer look at that category very soon.
Cheers,
Rich
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Rich, about an hour away from cracking open a Tyrconnell Madiera my friend brought back from Chicago. $92 with tax. They had the port as well, but, that will have to wait for another trip. Will let you know our combined thoughts after our tasting.
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Well, the bottle has been cracked and tasted. The extra 6% alcohol content is quite evident. The nose reminds me somewhat of Connemara in that I detect a bit of peat, maybe just my imagination. Very tasty whiskey, I must admit. However, not one to spend an evening with as the price makes this one of those "back of the cupboard" whiskeys, to be brought out only for the great occasions.
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I returned from a vacation trip to Ireland several weeks ago and on the advice of my brother, Rich, visited the Celtic Whiskey Shop in Dublin. Spent last weekend with our fellow travelers sampling the whiskies we ordered with help from Darragh, at the Whiskey Shop. Ordered Green Spot, Kilbeggan 15 and Tyrconnel Single Malt 10 year with Madeira finish, among others. The Tyrconnel lives up to its label with “exceptional flavour …silky smooth taste with hints of spice accompanied by raisins, fruit tones and honey with a long warn finish” and is now near the top of my list of favorites. Glad I ordered more than one!
We were also privileged to sample an as yet unreleased Tyrconnel “Anima Negra” with a redwine finish. I thnk Darragh had a twinkle in his eye as he watched four heads rise in unison to proclaim this is a whiskey not be missed upon release. I did try to preorder it to no avail, so I might have it in my house before my brother, but at least I was able to sample it before him! Thanks, Darragh! We appreciated all you guidance.
Janet
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