Sailor’s Home – The Journey
A blended Irish whiskey using three casks. Grain whiskey was initially matured in virgin American oak casks and then recasked into ex-Bourbon casks. This was then blended with Single Malt which was initially matured in ex-Bourbon casks and finished in Jamaican Rum casks. Bottled at 43% ABV. Non-chill filtered. RRP €45.
Omar Fitzell Notes
A really rich nose of raisins, apricots, toffee and molasses.
Palate
A syrupy mouthfeel with oceans of vanilla accompanied by apple crumble. Rum influence is evident, a Rhum Agricole sweetness in fact. Banana and green apples with a clove and cinnamon spice.
Finish
Medium length, I get a biscuity malt note lingering.
Overall
First time trying Sailors Home and you know what, I’m exceptionally surprised and impressed. Very well balanced, the grain and malt components along with the cask aging and finishing work extremely well together. For the price, you cannot go wrong when looking for a pleasant, easy drinker. I’m off to buy a bottle.
Al Higgins notes
Nose
Some delicate toffee and caramel notes with hazelnuts, chocolate and dried dates.
Palate
Well-balanced and pleasantly spicy. Flavours of dried vine fruits, roasted nuts, caramel chocolates and some orange zest.
Finish
More spice and some warming toasted oak.
Overall
A superbly put together blend where the grain component is barely noticeable. Some nice cask characters and good complexity.
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