Connacht Single Malt Batch 1 First Release
The Connacht Distillery’s first release of their own stock and the first whiskey to be distilled in Co. Mayo in over 150 years. Double distilled before being aged in ex-Bourbon casks and finished in ex-Oloroso sherry casks. Bottled at 47% ABV and carrying an RRP of €65.
Omar Fitzell Notes
Fresh cut grass, lemon and lime, natural honey and some demerara sugar.
Palate
A ginger spice beginning very quickly mellows and softens to open up some mango, orchard fruits and a little almond nuttiness.
Finish
On the longer end of medium with some notes of raisin and the malt.
Overall
A truly exceptional first release. In fact, I think it’s one of if not THE best first releases from any of the new distilleries. Extremely drinkable.
Al Higgins notes
Nose
Fascinating and quite unusual. Lots of fresh ester aromas such as pear drops, pineapple flavouring, sour apple sweets, vanilla essence and then some touches of fresh oak and green apples.
Palate
Delicate and youthful but never hot or harsh. Lemon and lime with a soft vanilla touch and more of those esters such as pear drops and pineapple chunks.
Finish
A soft touch of Bourbon oak, black pepper and ginger.
Overall
What I love about this is that it lets the distillate shine, the oak influence is low but takes away any harshness in the spirit. It seems there is a lot to look forward to at Connacht and this first release bodes very well.
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