Powers Three Swallow Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is a distinguished expression that aims to capture the original character of Powers whiskey from the John's Lane Distillery era. The name "Three Swallow" itself is a nod to a historical anecdote about the Powers coachmen who would take a warming "three swallows" from their flasks on long journeys.
Key Features:
- Irish Origin: Produced at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland, continuing the Powers legacy.
- Single Pot Still: Made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, triple-distilled in copper pot stills, a hallmark of traditional Irish whiskey.
- No Age Statement (NAS): While there's no explicit age declaration, it's rumored to be around 5-7 years old.
- Cask Maturation: Primarily matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, with a portion finished in Oloroso sherry casks.
- ABV: Typically bottled at 43.2% ABV (86.4 proof), though some markets might have a 40% version.
- Non-Chill Filtered: Often presented as non-chill filtered to retain its full flavor profile.
Tasting Notes (based on various sources):
- Nose: Presents a vibrant aroma where pot still spice meets crisp barley. Delicate herbal notes intertwine with green banana and grapefruit, while a nutty marzipan note hints at the wood influence. Some detect candied peel, dried apricot, mango, white pepper, and almond paste.
- Palate: Delivers a smooth, mouth-coating barley sensation followed by an eruption of green apple and citrus notes. Herbs and spicy flavors are complemented by a touch of cedar wood for added complexity. You might also find warm marmalade, sugared almonds, and golden barley.
- Finish: Features a spicy sweetness that gives way to the pot still barley character, balanced by a hint of sherry. It concludes with a crisp cereal finish and toasted oak notes, sometimes with a lingering prickle of chili oil and honeyed fruits.
Overall Impression:
Powers Three Swallow is a well-regarded single pot still Irish whiskey that offers a harmonious blend of spice, fruit, and oak. It's considered a robust and flavorful expression that embodies the classic Powers style. Many find it to be a superb introduction to the quintessential Irish single pot still category, offering a good balance and complexity for its price point. Some reviewers even suggest it can stand alongside or even surpass other well-known single pot stills in a similar price range.
Awards:
- Gold Medal: IWSC Spirit Awards 2024.
- Silver Medal: World Whiskies Awards 2024.
- Gold Medal: Irish Whiskey Awards 2023.
- #18 in "Whiskey Advocate Top 20 Whiskies of 2019."
- 92 Points: Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2019.
- 92 Points: Whisky Advocate.
- 90 Points: Wine Enthusiast.
These accolades highlight the quality and appreciation for Powers Three Swallow Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.
