J.J. Corry is Ireland's first modern Whiskey Bonder. Founded in 2015 by Louise McGuane, the company revives the old Irish tradition of sourcing new-make spirit and mature Irish Whiskey from Irish distilleries, then maturing, blending, and bottling unique whiskeys on their family farm in Cooraclare, County Clare, along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Hanson is named after Andrew Hanson, an exciseman (or "gauger") from the late 1890s in County Clare who married J.J. Corry's daughter, Josie.
Key Features:
- Type: Blended Grain Irish Whiskey. It's a blend of superior Irish grain whiskeys from a selection of different distilleries across Ireland.
- Age: Contains grain whiskeys ranging from 4 to 10 (or 5 to 11 in some descriptions) years old.
- Maturation: Aged entirely in ex-bourbon casks from Tennessee and Kentucky, U.S.A. Both first-fill and second-fill bourbon barrels are used.
- ABV: Typically bottled at 46% ABV.
- Non-Chill Filtered: Yes, to retain more of its natural flavors.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Rich and deep notes of vanilla fudge and toasted coconut are prominent, indicative of the bourbon influence. There are also fresh, zesty top notes of griddled pineapple and lime. Some find hints of peaches, cucumber water, and something slightly floral or vegetal, like rosemary or roses.
- Palate: Starts lively with bright, green apples and the toasted coconut continuing from the nose. The influence of fresh oak is clear, developing into notes of rye grass and then lemon grass. It's described as sweet and creamy, with a touch of spice and a full body. Some detect flavors of banana, custard, or even banana foam sweets, with a hint of herb or bitterness like banana skins or even coconut.
- Finish: Gentle warming throughout the chest with a slight astringency but little burn. It leaves a tingle on the tongue with notes of grass, grain, and cream. Some find a touch of oak spice and a lingering sweetness.
Overall Impression:
J.J. Corry The Hanson is considered a light, vibrant, yet classy blended grain Irish whiskey. It's appreciated for its balance of sweet and fruity notes with a distinct bourbon influence. It's often described as easy-drinking neat or in refreshing cocktails.
Awards:
- Category Winner: World Whiskies Awards 2025 (for the core Two Stacks Single Grain Double Barrel, highlighting the quality of Irish grain whiskey).
