The 2014 hype of (independent) Irish single malts is still alive and the most peculiar drams are from the batch of peated spirit produced at Bushmills in 1991.
A lot of these casks have found their way to Belgian bottlers. The Whisky Mercenary now presents its own selection, exclusive to Whiskysite.nl in Leiden (NL) and The Single Malt Whisky Shop in Zammel (BE).
Irish single malt 1991 – peated (52,2%, The Whisky Mercenary for Whiskysite.nl & Fisser 2015)
Irish single malt 1991 – peated (52,2%, The Whisky Mercenary for Whiskysite.nl & Fisser 2015)Nose: a very short peaty impression, but then wham! A whole truck of grapefruit is dropped in, both the yellow ones and the pink ones. Also passion fruit sherbet and kiwi, hints of green banana skin, peaches and white grapes. Some waxy / resinous / buttery notes. A little mint, vanilla and subtle camphor / eucalyptus.
Mouth: spearmint at first, which stays strong throughout the whole dram. Sweet banana underneath, as well as mango and apricots in syrup, but the peaty notes are slowly taking over. A little green tea with grapefruit and camphor again. Though not a peat bomb, it may be the peatiest, most medicinal of the 1991’s I’ve tried.
Finish: long, showing mild chili, nutmeg and a bit of minty dryness.
It’s funny how this one changes from robust to elegant and back. I’ve tried it three times in different glasses. Sometimes I thought there was too much peat on the palate, but on other occasions it seemed just right. Some people think these Irish are too fruity – they should try this one. Excellent stuff. Around € 200, on sale this Saturday.
Score: 91/100