Liberties Copper Alley 10yo Single Malt
Second in the Dublin Liberties series this 10 year old Single Malt was initially aged in ex-American bourbon oak before being finished for around 6 months in 30 year old Oloroso sherry casks. Just 31 sherry casks were chosen for this bottling. Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and retailing for around €55.
Omar Fitzell Notes
A very unusual pepper and honey mix here! Loads of malt, oceans of it actually, with some vanilla too. Sweetness turns to a strawberry and a slight orange zest note.
Palate:
Bit of sweetness from the sherry casks but with a heap of spice. Really peppery. The sweetness remains in the background, but the fruit takes charge for the most part. Almonds, orange, lime and some green apples.
Finish:
Surprisingly long and lingering but with a slight unpolished roughness to it.
Overall:
If I’m honest not what I expected at all. Real rough and ready in a good way. Bursting with some interesting flavours and is enjoyable.
Al Higgins notes
Nose:
Lemony and citrusy with some green apple, pear, white grape and kiwi fruit.
Palate:
Full of lemony fruit flavours which are followed by green apple, vanilla, ginger, cinnamon and buttered toast.
Finish:
More of those gentle spices with lemon and orange peel fruit.
Overall:
A very subtle sherry cask finish. For this whiskey I feel like the bourbon cask elements are the star components in the flavour profile. So, not a sherry bomb but a great example of the best that Bourbon casks can do for a single malt.
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