Connemara Original Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey (700ml)

"Seriously sexy peat at work here." - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

Gilded in peat reek, Connemara's Original is for many tasters, the smokiest of the collection. It's relatively light-bodied, which indicates first and foremost that this is Irish whiskey. The nose carries potpourri-like scents with lavender evident, then deeper notes like orange marmalade, toasty oak and smokey bacon. That follows in a soft, round entry and a sweet grainy burst, a chewy mouthfeel and perfectly harmonised peat that neither dominates nor detracts, finishing drier with vanilla, toffee apple and spice. Hardly your typical peater from Islay, yet this has real complexity and soul - even if it pulls up slightly short. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews… Seriously sexy peat at work here. 89 points. - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

Exudes beautiful soft peat notes, barley sugar, and apple-cinnamon granola. Light lemon and honey, with a delightful growth in apple crumble flavors, golden syrup, and more peat smoke and orchard fruits on the finish. Drink this neat. 87 points - whiskyadvocate.com

Smoke bomb alert! Imbibers who love a peaty profile will enjoy this smoky-but-smooth single malt. Pair with assertive flavors, like sausages or charcuterie. 92 points - wineenthusiast.com

...Nose: Sweet, clean peat, vanilla and - floral notes. One of the most profound and complex of Irish noses. Palate: Again very sweet, peaty. Softly honeyed and oily Mild molasses, fabulously smoky. Finish: Becomes drier as some oak bites, but the peat just keeps on rumbling along. Comment: This single malt had suffered from an identity crisis over the last year or so. Some vattings had become slightly off-key, dirty even, and the malt had lost direction. This bottling, however, is back to its brilliant best. 90 points - whiskymag.com

...Golden amber color. Shy aromas of dried fruits, raisins, and nuts have a lightly phenolic edge. Soft and supple entry leads to a dryish medium-bodied palate with delicate nut, buttery dry caramel, and reedy wood with a touch of peat and iodine. Delicately balanced on the fade with peppery and earthy notes. Very easy to drink.
International Review of Spirits Award: Silver Medal
89 points (Highly Recommended) - tastings.com

Gold Outstanding Irish Whisky - Single Malt - 2019 International Wine & Spirit Competition