Writers Tears is an Irish pure pot still whiskey (triple distilled). It’s a vatting of aged single malt and aged pot still whiskey, both from different distilleries and aged in ex-bourbon casks.
The Walsh Distillery which is behind this blend, started as an Irish coffee and Irish Cream producer – for which they bought whiskey from Irish Distillers (Jameson). It was not until 2007 when their first Irishman whiskey was presented. Writers Tears was created in 2009. Here it’s presented at cask strength, a limited yearly release. If I’m not mistaken, they are now building a new distillery to support the expansion.
Writer’s Tears Cask Strength (53%, Walsh Distillery 2014, 1980 btl.)
Nose: big attack a little alcoholic but honeyed and fruity. Peaches and kumquats. Apricot liqueur. Hints of banana yoghurt. Vanilla, moving towards white chocolate.
Mouth: almost entirely on peach and banana now. Very candied, a bit youngish? Again the alcohol is not entirely integrated, yes this is youngish, although the creamy qualities are quite nice, as are the pineapple and coconut notes. Herbal notes towards the…
Finish: long, grassy and herbal.
In general I like pot still distillation when it comes to Irish whiskey, so I can see lots of qualities. Nonetheless the alcohol (and possibly the age) take part of my enthusiasm away. Big price differences, from € 80 to around € 140.
Score: 81/100