Cigar Weekly

jazznut · 05-25-2007, 07:00 PM

I had the opportunity to taste the latest edition of this one, both as one of a trio of whiskies served 'blind' and on its own, recently. In the 'blind' tasting session, the high-octane Connemara handily blew away the competition (a Limited Edition Vintage Dun Bheagan Single Islay Malt and Ian Macleod & Co.'s Six Isles Pure Malt - both very, very good Scotches). Here are my tasting notes...

Connemara Cask Strength Peated Irish Single Malt Whiskey – 60.0%

Preamble: A heavily peated whiskey, in the style of the more robust Islay makes, produced at the Cooley Distillery.

Colour: True Chablis hue. Silvery lemon-yellow gold with pale green reflections.

Nose: Wet wool, wharf wood and tar pitch meet spring ferns dissolving in simple syrup.

Palate: Biting and succulent all at once. A scintillating surge of Tequila-like glycerin-coated Jalapeño and alcoholic heat gives way to intense smoke and a medley of herbal medicines even as a cascade of oily, honeyed and practically chewable malt richness coats every corner of the palate. The sweetness of the whiskey resonates long after one’s glass has been emptied.

Assessment: Insanely intense in the manner of Elixir Végétal de la Grande-Chartreuse, yet also displaying an amiable side. Well distilled, and very drinkable as it pours for those with the courage to do so.

Summary: One of the most individualistic, eye-opening single malts around.

05-25-2007, 07:00 PM	#1
jazznut Managing Editor Emeritus Herf God Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 26,082	Connemara 'straight' from the cask... I had the opportunity to taste the latest edition of this one, both as one of a trio of whiskies served 'blind' and on its own, recently. In the 'blind' tasting session, the high-octane Connemara handily blew away the competition (a Limited Edition Vintage Dun Bheagan Single Islay Malt and Ian Macleod & Co.'s Six Isles Pure Malt - both very, very good Scotches). Here are my tasting notes... Connemara Cask Strength Peated Irish Single Malt Whiskey – 60.0% Preamble: A heavily peated whiskey, in the style of the more robust Islay makes, produced at the Cooley Distillery. Colour: True Chablis hue. Silvery lemon-yellow gold with pale green reflections. Nose: Wet wool, wharf wood and tar pitch meet spring ferns dissolving in simple syrup. Palate: Biting and succulent all at once. A scintillating surge of Tequila-like glycerin-coated Jalapeño and alcoholic heat gives way to intense smoke and a medley of herbal medicines even as a cascade of oily, honeyed and practically chewable malt richness coats every corner of the palate. The sweetness of the whiskey resonates long after one’s glass has been emptied. Assessment: Insanely intense in the manner of Elixir Végétal de la Grande-Chartreuse, yet also displaying an amiable side. Well distilled, and very drinkable as it pours for those with the courage to do so. Summary: One of the most individualistic, eye-opening single malts around. __________________ My whisky adventure began at the age of nine. Good things DO take time!