Magilligan Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey

This Magilligan is said to be a Pure Pot Still, meaning it is a distillate of both malted and unmalted barley (although some people claim it is a single malt). It matured on ex-bourbon casks for five years and is a product from Cooley, marketed by Ian McLeod Distillers.

The nose is fresh, very sweet and smells of caramelized pineapple cubes. It has got quite some lime and peach and a hint of nuts. Softly spiced. Fresh and fruity, but very light. Do I detect a bit of peat, even? Probably just my imagination.

It is crispy on the palate, very accessible, with a slight bite from the spices. Very nice. A touch grainy. The emphasis is on lime here.

The finish is medium long and probably the most interesting part of this Magilligan. It turns nicely warm from some white pepper, is slightly drying with again the ghost of peat wondering around.

There is also an 8 year old peated Magilligan, as well as a 1991 Vintage Sherry Wood Finish. The unpeated (well) version costs around 37 EUR. Very easy going card players’ whiskey.

Happy St Patrick’s Day!