Knappogue 12 Years Review



Country: Ireland
Brand: Knappogue Castle
Type: Single Malt Whiskey 
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 40 %
Sample Provided By: Derek, USA. Thanks!  
Date: 12/12/2013

Colour: Pale Gold

Nose: Crisp and Clean as could be expected from a Triple-Distilled Whiskey. Lots of Cereals, Vanilla, Coconut, light Oak, Honey, Mandarin, Banana, Butter-scotch and a hint of Cinnamon. The Alcohol is not yet fully integrated.

Palate: Sweet, Fruity and slightly Thin with Vanilla, Coconut, Banana, Pineapple, Caramel, Milk Chocolate, Butterscotch, light Oak, Cinnamon, Grains and some Floral Tones.

Finish: Middle-Long. Sweet at first but Dry towards the end with Vanilla, Honey, Butterscotch, Sweet Barley, Banana Ice Cream, light Oak and light Spices like Pepper and Cinnamon.

No need to add Water to the Knappogue Castle 12 Years.   

Rating: 84

Nose: 21 - Taste: 21 - Finish: 21 - Overall: 21


General Remarks: In the 1960's an American by the name of Mark Edwin Andrews started to buy Pot Still Whiskey from Irish Distilleries. This Independent Bottler aged these spirits and bottled them under the Brand Name " Knappogue Castle", named after the Irish Castle that he owned. The 1951 is the oldest expression matured by Mark Edwin Andrews that is still available. Today the Brand Name is owned by Castle Brands Inc., established in 1998 by the founders son Mark. This company also owns Brand Names like Gosling's Rum and Jefferson's Bourbon. Traditionally, the Knappogue Castle spirits were all vintage expressions. But in 2010 the company launched the Standard 12 Years. This Whiskey only contains Malted Barley, ages in Ex-Bourbon Casks, is naturally Coloured and only lightly Chill-Filtered. The Knappogue is Triple-Distilled, most likely at Bushmills. It sells at around 40 US Dollars.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Conclusion: Let me start by saying that the Knapogue 12 years is utterly drinkable. I also think that the Nose is richer than your average Irish Whiskey! But on the Palate and in the Finish it reminds me more of a Fruit Liqueur. The Banana feel is really strong throughout. If that's your flavour profile, you will love this whiskey. It seems a perfect starting whiskey for people who generally feel that the taste of whisk(e)y is too strong. In short, a well made Single Malt with a Fruity and Amiable Flavour Profile. But not exactly what I'm looking for in a Whisk(e)y!

Jan van den Ende                                                       December 2013

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