Warm malt glides over the palate dragging notes of caramel, vanilla, toffee, spice and peanut brittle with it. The finish was short, with a hint of dried fruit and the continuance of the gentle sherry smoke. Despite being short, it was very moreish. Near the end of 2010, I became interested in single malt whisky, after a conversation with a friend. Many delectable tastings later, I decided to do some research on Irish Whiskey. Until that time, I had only tried Jameson, and I still have an ufinished bottle of the 12 year Special Reserve, which is very nice.

The finish is not overly long, but very pleasant with a nice balance between the fruit and the toasted oak. Finish: medium length, red fruit developing to milk chocolate, cinnamon with a licorice note lingering. The nose needs a bit of time. It starts soft and accessible with both grain and raisins, mandarin and some caramel. A bit floral, some chocolate, praline and rum. Baked apples. Cinnamon. Quite a nice mix.Finish - The baking spices complete a wonderful journey from nose to mouth to throat, maintaining their balanced co-existance. The red apple that was so prominent in the nose has now transitioned to a minor, still nicely complementary, finishing note that I wish had held a little stronger. The overall finish is medium length without being overpowering. Palate (undiluted): medium-bodied, very little tongue-burn (bottled at 40% ABV), lots of red fruit (cherry, raspberry), malty, nutty, biscuits

Palate: Mild and thin. A bit of grape jelly, and more non-sweet baked goods… English muffins? Otherwise, same notes as on the nose. A bit sweeter on the tongue – with more caramel than anticipated. A hint of acetone, but only a hint.

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As sad as this may be, I developed a level of whiskey snobery over the past few years. My reasonsing was, "Meh, it's only blended Irish whiskey, and it doesn't hold a flame to single malt scotch whiskies, blah, blah, blah." Finish - Medium in length, Slightly longer and more satisfying than the JWB although smoke is absent. However, for me it's fuller than the average speyside and ends with equal sweet and dry wood notes. Very moreish. The aroma is gentle and fruity, with hints of Mandarin orange. Also a slight sourness. Not very expressive but not uninviting either. Taste - The baking spice mix (cinnamon/nutmeg/cloves blended nicely together) takes centre stage on the palate, with the apple and butter notes also continuing through from the nose on a supporting basis. Overall, the intensity of the taste does not match that of the aromas initially presented. Nose: A gentle sherry presence greets the nose – with fresh apple cider, young fruity red wine, and champagne grapes. A hint of cereal grains and bakery goods, like scones, but not overly sweet.