
Matt D’arcy’s 17yo Rum Cask
A limited release of 343 individually numbered bottles from a single cask. This 17
year old single malt is finished in a rum cask and bottled at 46% ABV. RRP €265.
Omar Fitzell Notes
The rum influence take poll position here along with ripe bananas, lemon citrus and vanilla.
Palate
Thin mouth feel with a prickly but pleasant cinnamon spice. Banana returns but drizzled in caramel. A raisin note pops their head up too.
Finish
Short to medium. Mouth drying that doesn’t really reveal much more than the palate.
Overall
An ok whiskey overall, for me it was really let down by its finish and by the thin, watery mouthfeel. I was expecting more of a fruit bomb that lingered on due to age and cask selection, but overall it did not deliver.
Al Higgins notes
Nose
Delicate and refined. Aromas of white grapes, lychee, white flowers, jasmine, rosewater and lime flowers.
Palate
Soft, light and floral. Some delicate tropical fruits, pineapple, white grapes, green apples and lychee.
Finish
Medium length with those tropical notes persisting.
Overall
A bit disappointing to be honest. I expected more body, more depth and more flavour. Comes across as a bit wishy washy and watery. Hard to justify the price tag here.

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