Milroy’s of Soho has just launched a new whisky collection Milroy’s Vintage Reserve Black, celebrating ‘iconic distilling periods’. They intentionally source parcels from vintages that have a special meaning for the distillery. The first release focuses on Irish whiskey from the golden age of 1988-1992.
The 1991 single malt whiskey comes from an undisclosed (yet very well known) distillery. It is a vatting of four ex-bourbon barrels.
Irish Single Malt 31 yo 1991 (47,8%, Milroy’s ‘Vintage Causeway Reserve’ 2024, black label, four ex-bourbon barrels)
Nose: exactly what we were hoping for. Apricot jam, mango and very ripe pineapple, as well as some white peach nectar from Milliat (this). Passion fruit syrup too. Then light ginger / lemongrass and minty notes appear, with lemons, a wee hint of coconut and some leathery touches. Vibrant and exotic – this promises fireworks on the palate.
Mouth: indeed. A totally tropical fruit bowl. It is shock-full of passion fruit, pink grapefruit, mango, papaya and pink banana. In a second wave we find floral notes, subtle hints of toasted oak, lemon oils, even a wee hint of cannabis oil. Then a very subtle resinous (almost peaty) hint as well. Mint tea and echoes of cedar in the end.
Finish: long, still showing tropical fruits, with a little black pepper and a minty and grassy edge.
I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the casks from this vatting was lightly peated spirit. That said, it’s the tropical fruit that shines here, with a basket full of juicy elements. In all honesty, I think the price is exaggerated – similar official bottlings from Teeling are still on the shelves for around half the price- but the quality is undeniable. Exclusively available from Milroy’s.