Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey is a single grain Irish whiskey, initially matured in American bourbon barrels before enjoying a finishing period of six months in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks. This comes bottled at 42% ABV, brought down to this strength by Wicklow mountain water. A rather tasty release presented by Glendalough, rich in vanilla, caramel, Christmas spices and dried fruit notes.
A creamy, malty nose begins with rich vanilla, white chocolate and buttery fudge. Notes of cooking apples, white grapes, marzipan icing and toasted oak form in the backdrop.
Succulent caramel, salty melted butter and crème anglaise provide a thick, decadent sweetness with a fruity underlay from blackberries and marmalade.
Polished oak and a hint of wood spice linger.
Let me get one thing out of the way before I state my review: Black Bush is my go-to when I'm at home. I enjoy the direct, unvarnished flavour of this sherry cask whiskey. When I'm on the road, it's Johnnie Walker Red (because I can never find someone stocking BB): slightly smoky, and it fulfils the basic requirements of drinkable whiskey. Both are well made, slightly complicated, rugged and handsome enough to get by, just like me. So understand that as a bias in my review. And so, based on my statement above, this Glendalough was an interesting departure from BB and JWR. It has some spice to it, that's for sure. Unlike my go-to whiskeys, this has a spicy aroma: vanilla; nuttiness; (cinnamon?); and to the guy/gal that said 'bubblegum': yes, weirdly, a bit, since you mentioned it. Now, don't let that last aromatic aspect put you off. This is good whiskey. Sure, if you're like me (and God help you if you are), the first whiff might be a bit of a surprise: where is the smoke? Where is the peat? Where is the unveiled anger? Why does this even have something to smell at all? Well, as my wife usually reminds me, I shouldn't expect everything to be the same, day in, day out. "Would you want to hang around with the same person, twenty-four/seven?" she said as the basis for her argument. I looked at her as she spoke, as I had everyday for the last seventeen years and thought, wise words. (I jest). The same applies to whiskey. Sure, it's different, but why the hell would you want to drink a whiskey that smells/tastes just like your 'go-to'? I'm halfway through the bottle now, and I'd have to say that I quite like this whiskey. I'm not a sophisticated aficionado, but this is a drinkable whiskey. I'll by it again. As a side note, I'd like to say that this is a new Irish whiskey distillery (opened 2011). I think we could use more diversity in Irish whiskey, like we have with Scotch, so we should all support the new Irish distillers. I'm glad you all agree. Rich
Very nice notes. Truly Irish with a lovely velvet texture.
Whiskey is not my first choice when it comes to hard liquor. However, when leaving Ireland for home, there was a tasting at the duty free in Dublin airport. I love this whiskey and hope I can get more once the one bottle I bought runs out.
A pleasant surprise. A very nice smooth taste
Very pleasantly surprised with this Irish Whiskey. I hadn't heard of it before I saw it at the local shop here where I live outside Boston. It's smooth and the mellow vanilla, caramel, and spice notes sit well with my palate. Will definitely be a go-to of mine!
