2 Gingers Blended Irish Whiskey is a brand created by Irishman Kieran Folliard, inspired by his mother and aunt, both redheads nicknamed "gingers." It was later acquired by Beam, now Beam Suntory. The whiskey is a blend of grain and malt Irish whiskeys sourced from the Cooley Distillery (now part of the Kilbeggan Distilling Company). It is double distilled and aged for four years in ex-bourbon barrels.
Key Features:
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Irish Origin: Produced in Ireland, sourced from Cooley Distillery.
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Blend: A blend of Irish single malt and grain whiskey.
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Maturation: Aged for at least four years in ex-bourbon barrels.
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ABV: 40% ABV (80 proof).
Tasting Notes (based on various sources):
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Nose: Offers aromas of honey, banana, light fruit, malt, and vanilla, with a subtle hint of dried apricot and baking powder. It's often described as crisp and well-structured, though not overly complex.
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Palate: Features flavors of honey, banana, more pronounced fruit notes, malt, vanilla, and a touch of nuts and light spice, along with dried fruit.
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Finish: Medium in length, with a finale of dried fruit, honey, malt, and a grainy sweetness.
Overall Impression:
2 Gingers is generally considered a smooth, malty, and slightly sweet blended Irish whiskey. It's marketed as an approachable spirit that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, particularly its signature drink, the "Big Ginger" (2 Gingers and ginger ale with lemon and lime). While some reviews note a thinner body and a lack of significant complexity, it's often praised for its pleasant flavor profile and affordability, making it a popular choice for mixing.
Awards:
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Gold Medal: San Francisco World Spirits Competition (various years).
It's worth noting that some reviews suggest it might be a better option for mixing than sipping neat, but overall, it's considered a decent and versatile Irish whiskey, especially for its price point.