I recently had the pleasure of trying West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey, and I must say I was impressed. This Irish whiskey is a delicate blend of grain and malt whiskey matured in bourbon casks, resulting in a smooth and approachable whiskey with a pleasant flavor profile.
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West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey Overview
As a whiskey enthusiast, I always enjoy trying new blends and flavors. Recently, I had the pleasure of tasting West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey, and I must say, it did not disappoint. In this section, I will provide an overview of this whiskey, including its product history and price range.
Product History
West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey is produced by West Cork Distillery, a family-owned distillery located in Skibbereen, Ireland. The distillery was founded in 2003 by three childhood friends, John O’Connell, Ger McCarthy, and Denis McCarthy. They started with a small operation, producing their whiskey in small batches, but have since expanded and are now one of the largest independent whiskey distilleries in Ireland.
West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey is a blend of grain and malt whiskey, matured in first-fill bourbon casks. The whiskey is known for its smooth and subtle taste, with notes of malt, fruit, and spices. It has a light copper color and a pleasant aroma that is both sweet and slightly spicy.
Price Range
West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey is reasonably priced, making it an excellent choice for those who want to try a new whiskey without breaking the bank. The price range varies depending on the location and the retailer, but it typically falls between $20 and $35 per bottle.
photo credit: www.westcorkirishwhiskey.com
Tasting Notes
Aroma
As I take a whiff of West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey, I am greeted with a sweet aroma of apples, citrus, and vanilla. There is also a hint of malt and nutmeg, giving it a rich and complex scent.
Flavor
Upon taking a sip, I can taste the sweetness of honey and caramel, followed by a subtle fruitiness that reminds me of green apples. The whiskey also has a slight spiciness, with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. I can also detect the taste of oak, which gives it a slightly woody flavor.
Finish
The finish of West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey is smooth and satisfying. It has a medium-length finish, with a slight burn that fades away quickly. The aftertaste is sweet and malty, with a hint of oak and vanilla.
Rating
Overall, I would rate West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey as a solid choice for those who enjoy a smooth and sweet whiskey. It has a well-balanced flavor profile and a satisfying finish. I would recommend enjoying it neat or with a splash of water to fully appreciate its flavors. I would give it a rating of 8 out of 10.
Mixing and Pairing
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Best Mixers
When it comes to mixing West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey, I recommend keeping it simple. This whiskey has a smooth and rich taste, so you don’t want to overpower it with too many mixers. My personal favorite mixer for this whiskey is ginger ale. The sweet and spicy taste of ginger ale complements the whiskey’s flavors perfectly. You can also try mixing it with soda water or tonic water for a lighter and more refreshing drink.
photo credit: www.westcorkirishwhiskey.com
Cocktail Suggestions
If you’re looking to make a cocktail with West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few of my favorite cocktail recipes:
- Irish Mule: Mix 2 oz of West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey with 4 oz of ginger beer and a splash of lime juice. Serve over ice and garnish with a lime wedge.
- Whiskey Sour: Mix 2 oz of West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey with 1 oz of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 oz of simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry and a slice of lemon.
- Irish Coffee: Brew a cup of hot coffee and add 1 oz of West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey and 1 oz of Irish cream liqueur. Top with whipped cream and enjoy.
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Food Pairings
West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey pairs well with a variety of foods. Its smooth and rich taste makes it a great pairing for hearty and savory dishes. Here are a few food pairing suggestions:
- Steak: The bold and rich flavors of a steak pair perfectly with the smooth taste of West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey.
- Dark Chocolate: The sweetness of dark chocolate complements the whiskey’s flavors and enhances its rich taste.
- Cheese: Pairing West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey with a sharp and flavorful cheese, such as cheddar or blue cheese, creates a perfect balance of flavors.
Conclusion
I found West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey to be a solid option for those looking for an affordable and approachable Irish whiskey. It has a smooth and light taste with a subtle sweetness that makes it easy to drink on its own or in cocktails.
I would recommend giving West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey a try. It’s a friendly and approachable whiskey that won’t break the bank, and it’s a great representation of the traditional Irish whiskey style.
Related Posts
If you enjoyed my review of West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey, you may also be interested in reading about these other spirits:
- Review: Knappogue Castle 14 years old Twin Wood: This review covers a 14-year-old Irish whiskey from Knappogue Castle, which is also aged in Bourbon barrels and Sherry casks. The author notes that the whiskey has a sweet and fruity flavor profile, with notes of vanilla, honey, and apricot.
- Reviewing new Tobermory 21 (Manzanilla Cask Finish): In this review, the author explores a limited edition malt from Tobermory Distillery. The whiskey is aged for 21 years and finished in Manzanilla casks, which gives it a unique flavor profile with notes of salted caramel, hazelnut, and dried fruit.
- Daffy’s Gin: the most cosmopolitan of Scottish gins (giveaway inside!): This post provides a review of Daffy’s Gin, a Scottish gin that is distilled with botanicals from around the world. The author notes that the gin has a smooth and complex flavor profile, with notes of citrus, spice, and floral aromas.
- Dewar’s 25 on the tasting table!: This review covers a 25-year-old Scotch whisky from Dewar’s, which is matured in American oak and Sherry casks. The author notes that the whiskey has a rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and oak.
- Dream Dram: Glen Moray Mastery on the tasting table!: This post provides a review of Glen Moray Mastery, a blended Scotch whisky that is made from five different vintages of Glen Moray. The author notes that the whiskey has a smooth and balanced flavor profile, with notes of honey, vanilla, and oak.
