Killowen 10yo Tequila Finish
This the third expression of the Experimental Bonded Series from Killowen Distillery. A sourced 10 year old blended whiskey finished in Mexican Tequila casks. Non-chill filtered and no colouring. Bottled at 55.4% ABV. Only 388 50cl bottles released and RRP €90.
Omar Fitzell Notes
High ABV immediately apparent. Pushing past that to fruity, summer notes. Poached Pear, green apples and freshly cut box hedge. With water more floral notes appear.
Palate
Surprisingly thin mouth feel. Lemon and Lime shines through immediately for me. Proper homemade stuff, not 7up. Orchard fruits are complimented by dark chocolate Bourneville. Almonds and raisins in there too which leads me towards a Sherry influence. With water a coffee note comes through and it opens up what I think is that Sherry influence.
Finish
Long finish on this which for me, disappeared for a second at the end of the palate but returned with vigour! Slight mouth drying from an oaky spice with loads of cinnamon and nutmeg to tickle your taste buds.
Overall
Tequila finish is an unusual one. Spear headed by JJ Corry last year, it was a first for Irish whiskey. It’s not something you would expect to work. But it does work. I expected the finish to be short from the initial mouth feel but I was pleasantly surprised!
Al Higgins notes
Nose
Grain whiskey, agave (not really a surprise!), vanilla, fresh pineapple, green almonds, peach kernels, unroasted sweet chestnuts.
Palate
Quite a ride! More agave, green nuts, and sappy wood. Juicy and fruity with a nicely tropical signature. Becomes more bourbon-like with some spice, toasted oak and sweet vanillin.
Finish
Crisp, fruity and long.
Overall
A great experiment yielding a whiskey that veers from green/herbal notes to sweeter/oakier characters. Well worth trying.
Omar Fitzell
Omar has been lurking in the background of the Irish Whiskey Industry since 2010 when he started his journey through tasting, enjoying and collecting whiskey. In January 2018 he launched the online blog “That’s Dram Good” which, in those few short months, has become one of the most popular whiskey blogs in Ireland.
You can find him on:
• Twitter – @thatsdramgood
• Facebook – ThatsDramGood
Al Higgins
Over 20 years of experience in drinks retail and a member of the team at the Celtic Whiskey Shop since 2003. Alastair is chief tester and taster at the shop and is also coordinator for the Irish Whiskey Awards. When he is not working he is either training for ultra-marathons, parenting or drumming with his band Le Galaxie.
You can find him on:
• Twitter – @mostlydrinking