Yay, two more Irish malts distilled in 1989. The first one is bottled by Whisky-Fässle, the second is part of the 10th Anniversary series of The Nectar. The latter is finished in a rum cask.
Irish single malt 26 yo 1989 (47,2%, Whisky-Fässle 2015, barrel)
Nose: medium fruity nose on this one. There’s green mango, lemon and sour pineapple, but we’ve seen wider noses. Quite some grassy notes. Mint and green tea. Perhaps one passion fruit. Plenty of varnished notes too.
Mouth: same feeling of green citrus first, but then a burst of more tropical fruits. Lots of passion fruits now, pink grapefruit, pineapple and mango. Rather acidic, with echoes of white wines. Grows zestier and spicier after a while. Not very complex, but really nice fruits.
Finish: long, drier, with more citrus zest and oak.
This is simply a very drinkable, very fruity Irish malt. The nose is surprisingly shy but the palate makes up for a big part. Expensive though: around € 265, still available.
Score: 89/100
Irish single malt 26 yo 1989 (55,8%, The Nectar of the Daily Drams 2016, rum cask, 10th Anniversary edition)
Irish single malt 26 yo 1989 (55,8%, The Nectar of the Daily Drams 2016, rum cask, 10th Anniversary edition)Nose: while it shows the same kind of green pungency of the Whisky-Fässle cask, there is a warmer side to it. Banana, sweet melons, riper pineapple. A little candied ginger. No passion fruits here, the brightest notes are taken over by the extra sweetness.
Mouth: sweeter and definitely also more oaky than the Whisky-Fässle bottling. Grapefruit, mango, tangerine, just in a slightly darker way. Still some green tea and oaky notes. Better with a drop of water.
Finish: medium long, quite punchy with a slightly candied sweet side.
This bottling wins on the nose. Perhaps a little hot and spirity when taken neat, but other than that this one shows the same qualities on the palate. Around € 225, still available.
Score: 90/100