Powers Three Swallow Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (700ml)

The unusually named Three Swallow has several connotations in Power's history, two of which are held dear to the brand as explained by Christopher Null at drinkhacker.com: "Powers’ original distillery, John’s Lane, was known for incredibly high standards, including that of its horse stables and coaches. Each coach had three coachmen – a driver and assistant up front, and another at the rear. Coachmen were accustomed to bringing a small flask of Powers on long rides, with just enough whiskey to give each man a good swallow, but not enough to interfere with his job. In addition, the migration of the Irish Swallow signifies the beginning of the distillation season in Ireland, and Powers has historically used two or three swallows to signify the age, quality, and purity of their pot still products. Over time, because of the high quality across their entire portfolio, all Powers whiskey came to bear these iconic swallows."

Produced at the famed Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Three Swallow is crafted from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, then triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills before being matured in 2nd and 3rd fill Bourbon barrels. Finally, it receives a finishing in aged sherry casks. It is intended as a modern representation of what the original Powers tasted like back in the days of John’s Lane distillery. But to confuse matters slightly, it's been released at two different ABVs: 43.2% and this one which lands at 40%. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... The rich, buttery palate opens with baked pear, vanilla, raisin and toasty brioche, sliding into a clove-accented finish with just hint of smoke on the exhale. 93 points - wineenthusiast.com

...Pleasant. No off notes. But vanishes into a sea of toffee. 83.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023