J.J. Corry The Hanson Blended Irish Whiskey (700ml)

Something novel in the Irish category - 'The Hanson' is a Blended Grain, named after J.J. Corry’s son-in-law, who was a revenue man in the early 1900s known locally as “The Gauger Hanson”. Reportedly, just three casks from different distilleries make up each batch (West Cork, Cooley and GND). Four and ten year old material (20% and 80% respectively) were drawn from x-bourbon barrels, each selected to build complexity upon the sweet and fruity qualities of the grain whiskey. Oily at first on the nose, then closer to nashi pear in later passes, the palate serves up some juicy-fruity-malt and vanilla action with a buttery middle, rounded off by a zesty, drying finish. It drinks like a full-bodied version of a Japanese blend (think Suntory Kakubin) possessing a depth that stands out for the category. Enjoy straight or in a refreshing highball with soda. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... This is a light, vibrant, but classy affair. It has all that’s characteristic of your “traditional Irish whiskey” – the apple and vanilla flavours with the silky mouthfeel – but it comes with a bit of bite and a fantastic warming of the chest. And it does that all purely from a selection of young-ish grain-only whiskies. Job well done. I’d love to know if the original Gauger Hanson would have liked it. I’m sure he would. It’s interesting to see that this has been angled with cocktails in mind but I think it’s classy enough on it’s own. You really wouldn’t want too many dominant flavours or mixers in there otherwise I think you’d lose those intricacies that make this an enjoyable whiskey. - whiskyunplugged.com