We are rapidly approaching that time of the year again where we dust off our green clothing and our “Kiss me, I’m Irish” pins for a day of celebrating. And since it seems that the only beers that leave Ireland are Harp and the “holy water,” Guinness, we decided that we would look at another “holy water”-Irish whiskey. But not just any swill that’s out there.The Skyline View taste test panel ran on over to Beverages and More, and invested in some whiskey so that you can put your green beer down, and have either some damn good Irish Coffee or something that is worthy of being sipped on into the wee hours of March 17. Worst case scenario, this hootch won’t make you blind or give you a bitchin’ hangover.All whiskeys were sampled in the same fashion. One shot was poured out of the bottle into a brandy snifter to allow for swirling of the whiskey and better contact with the hand to warm the whiskey and bring out characteristics that are often hidden by slamming it back from a shot glass.
Now for the required disclaimer:The Skyline View does not in any way, shape, or form, condone underage drinking, drinking all four of these at once, partying until you puke, or drinking and driving. Please use your better judgment and drink responsibly. All tasters were of legal age at the time the sampling was conducted.
Brennan’s ($17.99)This is an adequate Irish blended whiskey. It started with a heavy oak flavor with a spicy finish. As it warmed from the heat of one’s hand, the aroma started to bring out hints of fruit, primarily melon with a hint of honey coming into the flavor. Sadly, the whiskey seemed to have a bit of a metallic aftertaste towards the middle, with a subtle metallic finish at the end. If you are looking for something to make Irish Coffee with, this is a good choice.
Jameson ($19.99)A dark honey-gold hue, as opposed to the pale yellow of the rest sampled, Jameson was the darkest in color out of the lot. Also being triple distilled works as a double edged sword. The first sniff of the aroma was very grassy and the sip burned like fire. As the whiskey warmed, more fruit flavors came out, while the grassy nature subsided slowly. This whiskey benefits from being warmed greatly, and needs at least 3-5 minutes to get something easier to swallow than screaming veggies.
Kilbeggan ($17.99)By far, the best blended malt out of the lot. Subtle hints of honey in the aroma with a melon and honey start followed by a smoky finish. As it warmed, the aroma was reminiscent of apples with the liquor taste bringing out more honey and fruit flavor came out further, with beginning of a spicy finish. This is the best of breed for sipping by itself.
Knappogue Castle 1993 ($39.99)Ah, single malts. Yes, they are more expensive, but they do have such a different and wonderful characteristic all their own. Rather than distilling from a combination of malted barley and unmalted barley, or mixing two or more distilleries products, the still is only loaded with malted barley and water from one region, aged and bottled. Knappogue Castle 1993 is a vintage single malt Irish whiskey which stands apart from the field. First for being a single malt, which for many of the Irish whiskeys we see in general is rare, and second for being a vintage whiskey where the whiskey was distilled in small lots and aged in oak casks for seven years from 1993.The whiskey started with a smell of apples and pears, with hints of a grass. It was very reminiscent of its cousin, single malt scotch, but without the taste characteristics that are imparted by peat moss. As the whiskey warmed, more of the pear smell came out as a honey and spicy finish came into play across the tongue. This whiskey is best savored by itself.
