Glendalough 17 & 25 Year Irish Whiskey
25 year Triple Cask
The Basics:
Glendalough Distillery
92 proof
25 year Age Statement - ex bourbon, Oloroso sherry, and Irish oak barrels
$500 MSRP
Nose:
Cherry, plum, cloves, raisins, dark honey, baked brown sugar peaches, oak, maple syrup, and molasses.
Palate:
Oak, apricot, orange honey, molasses, coconut, dark cherry, baked plum, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Finish:
Sherry, boozy cherries, drying oak, leather, and burnt walnut.
Glendalough Irish Whiskey 17 Year and 25 Year
17 year Mizunara Cask
The Basics:
Glendalough Distillery
92 proof
17 year Age Statement - 15 years in ex-bourbon, 2 years in Mizunara
$300 MSRP
Nose:
Honeydew with lemon juice, hibiscus, green apple Jolly Rancher, toasted cedar wood, pear, mandarin orange, and white grape juice.
Palate:
Clover honey, peaches and cream, stewed fruit cocktail, green apple Jolly Rancher, and cloves.
Finish:
Oak, leather, and coconut flakes
Final Thoughts:
Although these are both high-aged Irish whiskies from Glendalough Distillery, they were completely different experiences from start to finish. The 17 year Mizunara cask was extremely inviting with strong fruit notes and a subtle green apple Jolly Rancher aroma. On the palate, a sweetness similar to peaches and cream came through before finishing with oak and a hint of coconut. On the other hand, the 25 year triple cask brought a much darker flavor profile with notes of molasses, cherries, and plums. The influence of the Sherry cask was noticeable on the finish, but did not overpower the wonderful dark fruit flavors. Between the two, the 17 year was my favorite due to the complexity of the fruit flavors, a pop of coconut on the finish, and enough spice notes to to make you look past the lower proof point. For someone who has not indulged in many premium Irish whiskies, these were both delicious pours and eye opening for what Irish whiskies have to offer.
