The Tyrconnell 10 Year Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Irish Whiskey

The Tyrconnell Single Malt Irish Whiskey Sherry Cask Finish 10 Yr is a distinctive expression from the Cooley Distillery (now part of the Kilbeggan Distilling Company). It begins its maturation journey in ex-bourbon barrels for ten years before undergoing a finishing period of 6-8 months in Oloroso sherry casks from Spain. This secondary maturation imparts a unique character to the double-distilled single malt.   

Key Features:

• Irish Origin: Produced at Cooley Distillery, County Louth, Ireland.   
• Single Malt: Made from 100% malted barley.
• Age Statement: Aged for 10 years, with a finishing period.   
• Cask Finish: Finished for 6-8 months in Oloroso sherry casks after 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels.   
• Double Distilled: Retains the character of its origin through double distillation.   
• ABV: Typically bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof).   

Tasting Notes (based on various sources):

• Nose: Presents aromas of warm, grassy tones wrapped in a blanket of sherry, apple, and sultanas, with hints of roasted nuts, nougat, and mild oak. Some detect a tickle of fine white pepper, lemongrass, scented balms, and poppy seed cake.   
• Palate: Offers flavors of apple, cherry, and honey nougat, backed by richer sherry fruits. The flavor develops steadily with late additions of pepper coinciding with a confluence of sweetness and sherry notes. Some find it honeyed and rich in texture, with notes of tarte tatin and custard.   
• Finish: Concludes with a baked apple sweetness, often with a malty component allowing a keen graininess to move to the forefront. Some detect notes of cinnamon and a subtly sweet character with lingering oak.   

Overall Impression:

The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish is a well-regarded Irish single malt that beautifully marries the spirit's inherent citrus and honey notes with the rich, dried fruit and nutty characteristics imparted by the Oloroso sherry casks. The result is often described as a "dessert in a glass," offering a delightful balance of fruit, sweetness, and spice.   

Awards (based on various sources):

• Gold Medal: San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2011).
• Gold Medal: World Whiskies Awards (2010).   
• Silver Medal: International Spirits Challenge (2018).   
• Rated 91 points by Whisky Advocate.