Glendalough 7 Year Old Mizunara Finish Single Malt Irish Whiskey

The Glendalough 7 Year Mizunara Cask Finish Irish Whiskey is a single malt expression from the Glendalough Distillery that stands out for its unique cask finish. 

Key Features:

• Irish Origin: Produced by Glendalough Distillery in County Wicklow, Ireland.   
• Style: Single Malt Irish Whiskey, made from 100% malted barley, triple-distilled in copper pot stills.   
• Age Statement: Aged for 7 years.   
• Cask Finish: The defining characteristic of this release is its finishing period in Japanese Mizunara oak casks. Glendalough embarked on a search for flavorful oak, leading them from their local Wicklow mountains to Hokkaido, Japan, the source of this highly sought-after oak.   
• ABV: Typically bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof).   
• Non-Chill Filtered: While not always explicitly stated, many premium single malts aim for minimal intervention.   
• Natural Colour: Expected to be of natural colour, reflecting the influence of the oak.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Presents a rich and sweet opening with notes of treacle, honey, orange, chocolate, and molasses. It's described as a dessert-like aroma, evolving with a burst of honey and subtle hints of exotic wood, perhaps incense or teak, from the Mizunara oak.   
• Palate: Offers a burst of flavor initially, starting with honey before transitioning to baked pastry, stewed fruits, and bright citrus. Waves of chocolate, sugared lemon, cereal, and raisins follow. The Mizunara oak contributes unique notes of sandalwood oil and spice.   
• Finish: Described as exceptionally long, featuring toasted oak and oriental spices, with a lingering dark chocolate note. Some detect floral hints of heather and lavender alongside coffee grounds and black licorice.   

Overall Impression:

The Glendalough 7 Year Mizunara Finish is a distinctive and intriguing Irish single malt. The Mizunara oak, known for its aromatic qualities, imparts unique notes of sandalwood, spice, and a subtle exotic character that sets it apart from traditional Irish whiskies. It's considered a complex and flavorful whiskey that offers a departure from the typical Irish profile, making it a worthwhile exploration for whiskey enthusiasts.