In a move away from vintages, Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old is a delicious triple distilled single malt Irish whiskey bottling, having spent its days in bourbon casks.
Vanilla shortbread, a crack of black pepper and chewy malt.
Gentle oak spice and vanilla custard, with hints of cut grass.
Orchard fruit on a lingering finish.
Got to try this properly over Christmas and although its good, really good, there's nothing that makes it great, nothing that really stands out. it tasted like a very generic malt, to me at least. Its smooth, not a massive amount of nose, on the tongue is a little fruity and a little biscuit, malt is subtle, and not a particularly long finish. Wouldn't buy a bottle but wouldn't turn my nose up at a glass if it was given to me.
I've been tasting Irish whiskey since my Irish grandfather gave me my first sip in grade school. In recent years I settled on Red Breast 12 year old as my favorite, and coincidentally it was far more affordable than some more favored by others. A year or so ago I bought a bottle of Knappogue Castle 12 year old to revisit the maker and found myself replacing bottles since. The whisky is fruity but isn't as fruity for the nose as RB 12 as the glass is tipped to the mouth, instead favoring a breeze of grain similar to a well made ale of real beer; RB 12 tastes vaguely of Oloroso, and I love that, but that isn't better for me than Knappogue as much as it's simply different. Knappogue carries very smoothly back across the palate like RB 12, and finishes with a malt, distantly dijon and green pepper effect on the roof of the mouth to RB 12's sherry, black pepper burn. If you're looking for a very nice whiskey that's a change from RB 12, I recommend Knappogue 12 year old Single Malt. Even after I finish it I keep the glass handy for the perfume. You can buy more expensive and different, but whether you can buy better is purely subjective. Sean Proinsias Mac Giolla Brighde
