It is rare to find a single cask expression of an Irish whiskey. Luckily for me AD Rattray, an independent bottler that I really like, was able to secure a cask from the Cooley distillery. Cooley, a relatively new distillery, built in 1987, promotes the fact that it is the only independent distillery in Ireland. Their single malt brands include Tyrconnel and Connemara and a single grain Greenore. – Chris
AD Rattray Cooley ~$95
Aged 11 years in a bourbon cask, Cask No. 882, 158 bottles
Distilled Feb. 24, 1999, Bottled June 15, 2010 at 59%ABV
Color: Pale yellow, straw
Nose: Malty, grassy, green apples, powdered sugar, vanilla and oak char, a very lively nose, medicinal and very “green”, definitely does not attempt to hide its 59%ABV
Palate: Initially soft then the flavors start to open up and attack the palate, the alcohol punch is quite strong, lots of grassy notes, fudge and chocolate, oak peaks out and is quite nice, a surprising touch of pepper, the youthfulness is still present – a little boozy, hints of cinnamon spice
Finish: Long, peppery and oaky
Comments: a real treat to try a single cask, cask strength Irish whiskey. An avalanche of flavors that I am not accustomed to from regular OB releases. It is a challenging whiskey that is still a little raw and young but I really like it!
The WhiskyWall 