Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old Single Malt 70cl Whisky

“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”

John F McBride