Nose: From the moment I poured into my glass, my office exploded with a peatiness I still don’t habitually associate with Ireland. I know that the newschool is changing that and bringing turf back to the forefront. I personally welcome our new smo(k)verlords. We had a massive eucalyptus in our front yard growing up. Couldn’t walk barefoot anywhere as the cones they drop are basically natures caltrops. That tree is a full on area of denial attack. Somehow the rich earthy peat and vibrant sherry notes combine on the nose to give me something lightly methylated with freshly sawed wood notes. The sherry somehow stays demure, more on the marzipan wavelength than fruits or funk.
Palate: Peat. But not a ciggie or tar, more mushrooms and forest moss. Flash fried padron peppers and leafy bitterness that comes from celery and kale. The sherry notes are present towards the finish, giving it a warmth with a touch of nuttyness and red fruits. Some backbone and the slightest ghost of sweetness. Definitely peat driven from start to finish.
Rating: 6 / 10 – fun pour. For a first release it’s eminently drinkable, has a nice body and doesn’t come off as a young spirit in the slightest. Go team.
