Cooley 10 Year Old 2000 A.D. Rattray

Cooley hardly needs an introduction. The until recently independent distillery founded by John Teeling in 1987, produces Greenore, Connemara, Tyrconnell and Kilbeggan, as well as a host of blends. In December 2011, the company was bought by the American spirits giant Jim Beam Inc. This whiskey was bottled a A.D. Rattray and is 10 years old.

The nose starts closed and is very light. Lemongrass, vanilla, some spices from the oak. With some handwarmth, it becomes very juicy on apricots and lemon. A bit creamy, too. Yep, it needs some time, but then it opens up beautifully. I also get some honey and even gummi bears.

On the palate, it is again creamy and soft, but much more expressive than on the (closed) nose. Apart from the apricots, banana reveals itself. The oak become somewhat intense, giving it some punch. The lemongrass returns. Nice body.

The warm finish, on lemon and spices, is guaranteed pleasure.

A very good, wonderfully spiced, Irish whiskey, that needs some time. But you are well rewarded for your patience. Around 60 EUR.

Happy St Patrick’s Day!