Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is triple-distilled at The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim — the first Irish whiskey from Connacht in more than a century. PJ Rigney and head distiller Brian Taft mash malted Irish barley, unmalted Irish barley, and a small share of Irish Barra oats, then lay the spirit at least five years in first-use Kentucky bourbon casks with a portion in Oloroso sherry. Unmalted barley brings pot spice; the oats give a creamy texture; bourbon oak adds vanilla and coconut; sherry adds dried fruit and honeysuckle. It is bottled at 86 proof, with no added color and no chill filtration. Fits a cold-weather night as easily as an after-dinner dram.

Warm pot spice, vanilla, toasted nuts, and dried fruit lead. The palate is creamy and full: fig, redcurrant, coconut, dark chocolate, almond, and toasted oak, with Oloroso sweetness sitting behind the spice. It finishes with sweet wine, dry spice, and that oat-cream linger.