Ballykeefe Single Malt Irish Whiskey (700ml)

Slightly more expressive than its Pot Still sibling, the aroma conjures frail scents of balsa wood, hay, poached pears in wine, green apples and light vanilla. It's also a more delicately textured whiskey suggesting flavours of sweet cereals and stewed orchard fruits, building succulence, ending crunchy, lipsmacking and gently spiced. Like a lightly fruited Speysider, but of an altogether softer variety. 46% Alc./vol. Non-chill filtered.

Other reviews... Light gold color. Aromas and flavors of partially baked bread dough, birch soda and cherry wood, under ripe musk melon, and black pepper with a satiny, lively, dry medium body and a peppery, interesting, medium-length finish displaying notes of pepper and baking spices in fresh bread dough, tart green fruit, dark honey, and parchment. Very tasty with loads of potential demanding your attention to pick out all of its complexities. 89 points - tastings.com

This single malt opens with a punchy and pungent nose, leading with barnyard, wet hay, and honey. Over time, these aromas drift away and chamomile tea with honey, spearmint, hot pretzels, and wildflowers emerge. The palate is complex, too. Sweet tea, marzipan, and sweet granola stand on the front lines, with black pepper, faint cayenne, and forest floor reinforcement. The finish is long, rich, and floral, fading to hay and cereal grains. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com

Notes from the producers... Nose: A Gentle nose with notes of Toasted Oak, Citrus and Coconut, resolving to Apple Sponge.Taste: At first Malt and Fruit dominate with Mango and a hint of ripe Banana. Then Toffee Apple fading to Crème Brûlée. Finish: Long finish with notes of Apple Custard and a hint of Cloves.