Writers’ Tears Mizunara
A travel retail exclusive, this limited edition from Walsh Whiskey is first aged in American oak Bourbon barrels before being finished for nine months in two extremely rare Japanese Mizunara oak barrels. Bottled at cask strength of 55% ABV and RRP €100 duty paid.
Omar Fitzell Notes
Almond is the first to hit me. No sign of high ABV here. Black pepper spice with some finally and caramel sweetness.
Palate
Spice, spice and more spice accompanying heat. Overpoweringly so. Coffee note arrives afterthought addition of some water.
Finish
Long and hot. Stewed apple appears towards the end after water.
Overall
Now I’m well used to cask strength whiskeys and I’ve often said; it works for some and not for others. This is the latter. The addition of water benefited this greatly but for me, it is my least favourite Writers Tears release to date. I actually left this and came back to it later and I still could not get much from the palate notes wise. Glendalough’s Mizunara release last year worked very well but I fear that the SPS and malt blend of Writers’ Tears just did not take to the casks well.
Al Higgins notes
Nose
A nice mix of orchard fruits, spice and white muscat grapes. Further nosing reveals some lemon cake, pineapple and fondant icing.
Palate
A burst of fruit followed by some spicy wood, black pepper and oak tannins. Flavours of poached pears, apples, white grapes, pineapple, apricots and sultanas. Delicate mouthfeel.
Finish
Some dusty oakiness and subtle tannins add a touch of complexity.
Overall
Impeccably put together, with the fruitiness taking centre stage. Some (including me) might want more exotic Mizunara influence, but this is still very good for the money.
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