Clonakilty Private Barrel Select

 

Clonakilty was founded in 2016 in County Cork by the Scully family which have been farming the coastal lands for nine successive generations.  Production started in 2019 with head distillery, Oisin Mulcahy, producing some fine triple distilled pot still Irish whiskey.

Today, I'll be reviewing their Private Barrel Select, Bordeaux cask finish, bottled at 56.4% abv.

Colour: Nice shimmering tawny colour with a viscosity that coats the sides of my glen cairn.

Nose: like the previous Clonakilty expression I've reviewed, there is an immediate explosion of aromas, summer orchard fruits, sweet smelling apple crumble, dusted lightly with a hint of cinnamon, balanced out with manuka honey and vanilla notes with touches of toasted oak.

Palate: Your palate is immediately woken up with a harmonious burst of those summer fruits, apples, pears, a little caramel sweetness.  A luxurious mouthfeel leaves you wanting more as a warming velvety glow spreads revealing caramelized nutty cinnamon spice.

Finish: The finish is medium/long with a  complexity and depth that is delightful and wonderfully balanced, showcasing the sweetness, spiciness and oak notes collimating in some exotic dark chocolate notes.

Overall, this is another expertly crafted Clonakilty whiskey that showcases Irish whiskey craftsmanship at it's finest.

Slàinte Mhath!