Single Malt Whisky, Ireland

The third and final part in the triptych dedicated to Knappogue Castle for LMDW’s 2013 catalogue, this ruby port cask bottling has chosen to settle down in Lusitania. Very intense, it has filled up on red and black fruits and taken on very subtle chocolate, herbaceous and floral nuances that are usually the preserve of famous fortified wines. And yet, despite relegating malted barley to a supporting role, it remains true to its Irish roots, recreating the generous and extraordinarily seductive character of the best Irish whiskeys.

Ample and fruity. Raspberry, chocolate, elderberry.

Nose : full, fleshy. With a very pleasant vinosity (black grape), the first nose takes us quickly to a lagare vat where the grapes have just been crushed underfoot. The incredibly delicate aroma palette is also finely oxidative (crushed apricot, brandied cherry, strawberry and raspberry). Gradually, notes of prune appear alongside dark chocolate, fig and tobacco. Superb.

Appearance : pink copper.

Palate : svelte, lively. On the attack, cocoa powder spreads across the taste buds. Next, candied fruit (apricot, peach) and plantain banana bring the flavor palette lots of charm. On the mid-palate, citrus fruits (mandarin, orange) make a very well-timed entrance. The end of the palate is refreshed with various infusions (black tea, sage, absinthe) and eucalyptus flavors.

Overall : long, silky. The mineral start of the finish (slate) wavers between heady florals (hawthorn, honeysuckle, gillyflower), red and black fruits (strawberry, grape, cherry) and spices (curry, cinnamon, ginger). Like a delicious crème brûlée, the retro-nasal olfaction is incredibly smooth. The empty glass reveals particularly intense fragrances of lime blossom, elderflower and forest floor (mushroom, lichen).