Clontarf Single Malt Review



Country: Ireland
Brand: Clontarf Single Malt
Type: Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey
Age: NAS
Alcohol: 40%

Colour: Pale Straw

Nose: Crisp and Fruity (Hints of Pear, Peach and Maraschino Cherries) with Malt, Oak, Vanilla, Citrus and Honey. Bit of sharp Alcohol. It takes a while to open up.

Taste: Malt, Oak, Vanilla, Honey, Spices and Citrus.

Finish: Clean with Malt, Oak and a bit of Honey. The Malt lingers on for a while.

I added a bit of water and the Malt gets even stronger on the Nose. The Taste and Finish get a bit watered down though. Better drink this neat or with a little Ice.

Rating: 79 

Nose: 20.5 – Taste: 19.5 – Finish: 19.5 - Overall 19.5


General Remarks: This Single Malt is produced by the Clontarf Whiskey Company, part of Castle Brands Inc. Its name refers to the Battle of Clontarf, fought in 1014 and resulting roughly in an Irish victory over Viking invaders. Today, Clontarf is a suburb of Dublin. The Single Malt is charcoal-mellowed before it ages in Charred Bourbon Barrels. It’s  distilled at the old Bushmills complex at Country Antrim. The Clontarf Whiskey Company also sells a Blended Irish Whiskey and a Reserve. The latter one is a blend of Malt – and Grain Whiskeys.

Drinking Experience Straight: Good

Conclusion: This is not a very complicated Whiskey but well-made. It’s crisp and light. The basic flavors are Malt and Oak with some Fruity tones. With a little Ice this could be quite charming on a fine Summer Day.

Jan van den Ende                                                                      August 31, 2012


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