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
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
