The Whistler 7 Year Old Batch 06

The Boann distillery was founded in 2015 by the Cooney family in Drogheda, about 40km north of Dublin. In 2017, the distillery was built, but firing could not start until 2019. So they are currently marketing sourced whiskey. And they do that under the name The Whistler. I was already lucky enough to taste some expressions but must confess that I they have not yet turned my world upside down by what they bottle. Today I taste their sixth batch of the 7-year-old which matured in bourbon casks and then got a finish on oloroso sherry casks. Fingers crossed.

Soft, dark sweet nose on raisins, dark beer (!), candy syrup and chocolate. But underneath there is also a soft touch of rubber (or sulfur) that makes frown. Fortunately, it does not linger and therefore does not disturb. In fact, the longer you keep this whiskey in the glass, the better it starts to smell. Also becomes a touch umami. Think Maggimix herbs and chicken broth. Adding water brings few changes.

It's quite oily on the tongue. Not a single off-note returns (hooray!), but it does immediately become particularly dry. Raisins, plums and even some chewing tobacco are my share, while the spiciness in the form of black pepper and cloves makes me feel nice and warm. But dry... Too dry. Adding water makes it sweeter and less dry.

Also in the long and spicy finish it is a very dry affair. I seem to have licked a board. But diluted, that's much better.

The nose was okay, the taste oaky. Same letters, but a completely different meaning. That being said, this was the best I've tasted of The Whistler. And if you add a teaspoon of water to it, it becomes downright delicious. Thx, Benny!