Two Stacks Smoke and Mirrors
Two Stacks Smoke and Mirrors is a peated stout cask Single Malt of 10% double malt and 30% triple peated malt, both matured in ex-bourbon casks, 60% triple distilled malt aged in ex-bourbon and ex-imperial stout casks. Uniquely this batch 1, was hand-bottled and bonded at Killowen Distillery, County Down. Bottled at 48% ABV and retailing about €51.
Omar Fitzell Notes
Peat is apparent but not overpowering. Slight nutmeg spice with some tropical and orchard fruits. Hint of chocolate and whole coffee beans.
Palate
A black pepper spice hits the palate immediately that moves more towards a clove spice. Apricots, raisins, milk chocolate, barley, caramel, coffee, and even a juicy strawberry thrown into the mix. An explosion of flavours.
Finish
Medium finish that is mouth puckering dry. Chocolate and coffee notes more prominent here.
Overall
A cracking whiskey that delivers a huge punch of flavours, spice and ABV. If you’re into peated whiskeys, this will be for you! I’m off to buy a bottle.
Al Higgins notes
Nose
Medium smokiness with touches of silky cream, sweet lemons, green and red apples, pears and vanilla.
Palate
Sweet, creamy and smoky with a lovely balance between fresh fruit and peat smoke. Flavours of gentle smoke, preserved lemons, apple pastries, pineapple, pear tart, vanilla and marzipan.
Finish
Long and complex with a sort of sweet smokiness, tropical fruits and grippy wood tannins.
Overall
Another superb release from Two Stacks. Some great cask selection is behind this and the result is hugely enjoyable.
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