Roe & Co Sugi Wood
This blended Irish whiskey showcases a unique wood type, Japanese Sugi, as well as a maturation process never before seen within the category. Five “elongated bungs” were hammered into the heads of each of ten American oak casks. These bungs extend to almost the full length of the cask and the distillate attains increased surface contact. Non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV. Available in Ireland priced €80.
Omar Fitzell Notes
This needed some time in the glass. First nose I could get nothing but as I stayed with it for a while, it revealed some subtle pine and French polish. Touch of potpourri in there too
Palate
An extremely unusual dance of pitch pine shavings and that French polish from the nose. You know when you are out walking and you pick up a reed and chew on it…it’s also that (I really hope I’m not the only one that does that!).
Finish
Medium finish of orchard fruits and a tingling pepper spice.
Overall
The nose is a big let-down but the palate is one of the most unusual ones I’ve tried in quite some time.
Al Higgins notes
Nose
Now this is very different. A myriad of exotic spices, eastern incense, fresh tree sap, cedar wood, sandalwood, perfume, lychees, kiwi fruit and cinnamon.
Palate
Massive amounts of eastern spices, more in the aromatic spectrum than on the Scoville scale. Star fruit, sandalwood, chai tea, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and cardamom.
Finish
Becomes firmer and more woody with some gentle tannins and more of those eastern spices.
Overall
Mad stuff but I really like it. Possibly the most extreme Irish whiskey I have ever tasted.
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