Velvet Cap
A 50:50 blend of malt and grain whiskey which are mixed and left to marry in a rotation of ex-rye barrels which were filled with whiskey, then stout. Bottled at 40% ABV and selling at RRP of €39.95.
Omar Fitzell Notes
Toffee sweetness along with some malt, cocoa powder. Some spice from its youth.
Palate
Light mouth feel with a pleasant warmth. Vanilla and caramel sweetness that is contrasted by a coffee note. Whoppa bar spearmint.
Finish
Lingers nicely with a slightly bitter hops influence.
Overall
It does exactly what it says on the tin. An affordable, easy drinking whiskey that offers a good flavour profile.
Al Higgins notes
Nose
Impressive complexity on the nose. Touches of
marzipan, caramel, banana loaf, cinnamon, raisins and chocolate cake.
Palate
Juicy, fruity and a little spicy. Firm and a little tannic with a nice oaky edge. Flavours of vanilla, white chocolate, agave, banana, raisins, and prunes.
Finish
Rich, long and spicy.
Overall
The best value in this flight? Maybe. The grain component in the blend is quite noticeable but that’s normal at this price point. Whilst there are obviously some young components in here the overall result is very impressive.
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