Tyrconnell Sherry Cask 10 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey (700ml)

Located on the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, Cooley is Ireland's only independent Irish owned distillery. Converted in 1987 from an older potato alcohol plant by John Teeling and other investors, Cooley only distils their whiskey twice, not three times, as is the norm for many other Irish producers. They employ two copper pot stills with large necks, which according to the distillery, increases the time it takes for spirits to pass through. The result is a 'more refined and milder' whiskey.

The Cooley Company has won over 300 medals since opening. Other awards they have received include "European Distiller of the Year" in 2008 and 2009 and "Distillery of the Year" in 2008 from the International Wine and Spirit Competition, and "Distillery of the Year" in 2010 from Malt Advocate magazine.

Once owned by the Watts family, the historic Tyrconnell label (named after a successful racehorse) was originally a best-selling brand in the United States before Prohibition. This 10 year old was finished for two years in sherry casks. The whiskey pours a bright gold with a pale straw hue. The aromas place it immediately in the sherry mould, yielding up pure and rich dried fruit notes accompanied by vanilla, Bounty bar and hints of cinnamon. There's more of the same on the palate with a medium dry flavour wave of vanilla, juicy dried fruits and a forgivable trace of sulphur. Turns to ginger biscuit and spice towards the finish which is vibrant and clean. A delightful sherry infusion that leaves the malt shining through. 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... On the nose there are warm, grassy tones wrapped in a blanket of sherry, apple, and sultanas, with a tickle of fine white pepper, lemongrass, scented balms, and poppy seed cake. In the mouth there is apple, cherry, and honey nougat, backed by richer sherry fruits. The flavor develops steadily, with late additions of pepper coinciding with a confluence of sweetness and sherry notes. Baked apple sweetness on the finish. 91 points - whiskyadvocate.com

'Best Irish Single Malt Sherry Finished' - World Whisky Awards 2012