Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey 70cl
Glendalough Double Barrel represents the Irish craft whiskey renaissance in concentrated form - a spirit that honours Ireland's whiskey heritage whilst embracing contemporary innovation. By marrying grain whiskey aged in bourbon barrels with Oloroso sherry cask maturation, this expression creates something genuinely distinctive in the modern Irish whiskey landscape.
The nose announces the dual-barrel character immediately: vanilla sweetness from the bourbon cask maturation combines with richer, deeper notes from the Oloroso influence - dried fruit, chocolate, subtle oxidative character suggesting sherry cask complexity. Notes of caramel, honey, and toasted grain provide familiar warmth, whilst hints of spice and oak add sophistication. The overall impression is one of thoughtful blending creating genuine harmony rather than obvious duality.
On the palate, Glendalough Double Barrel delivers balanced complexity that surprises given the grain whiskey base. Initial sweetness - vanilla, caramel, honey - develops as the sherry cask influence asserts itself throughout the mid-palate, creating richer character than grain whiskey alone typically achieves. Notes of dried fruit - raisin, apricot - suggest sherry maturation, whilst subtle spice and toasted grain maintain the bourbon barrel contribution. The mouthfeel proves luxuriously rich and coating, evidence of careful cask selection and blending. There's remarkable balance here: neither cask dominates; instead, they create unified character suggesting genuine craftsmanship.
The finish extends with impressive warmth, sherry character building gradually as vanilla sweetness yields to deeper fruit and oak notes that persist pleasantly.
Glendalough Double Barrel represents contemporary Irish distilling at its finest - proof that innovation grounded in respect for tradition creates expression worthy of serious appreciation.
**How to Serve:** Serve neat in a tulip glass at room temperature to appreciate the layered barrel influence. A single ice cube may be added for chilled appreciation.
