Connemara Original

 

 

 

40°

Distillery : Cooley - Ireland

Ex-Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 1999

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

Connemara is not a brand that scrupulously respects Irish tradition. The juice is produced by double distillation and single malt, as in Scotland. We forgive them because they've done a good job. Here, Original has become an institution because it's the first peated whisky to be launched in Ireland in a long time.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Peach, pear, apple, all very ripe, which goes well with orchard fruits. Thick honey. The peat is light, a little earthy, quite cereal-like, with hints of wheat and puffed rice. A good dose of vanilla. Behind, floral essences, daisy, jasmine. A hint of limestone. Light on the palate, with cooked fruits. Malt, dry earth. Fresh, green, a dash of aniseed. Pleasant finish, not too short but not very consistent, with a slight return of greenery here too. A little dry. The aniseed returns after a while.

 

In Short, 

The nose is pleasant, the palate is barely decent and the finish is really short. On the whole, it's a bit inoffensive, but it's impeccable. It's not bad, but it lacks character. I think it's a nice synthesis of Irish and Scottish traditions. If you can find it for under 30 euros, it's perfect.

Score : 83

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                           Bow Triplets - Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears