A few weeks back I had the pleasure of trying a Ruby Port finish Irish Whiskey and when I was asked what I thought of it, my reply was, I need this in my life!
Fast forward a few weeks and I get a message from Paul at Thomas Connolly Bar, Sligo, asking me if I would like a sample of their newly released Athrú Irish Whiskey single cask, which is finished in a Ruby Port!!!
Yes Paul, yes I would!!
This is a Athrú Seven Year Old Single Malt whiskey that started life as two different bourbon casks, one of which remained maturing in bourbon for six years and five months and the other was moved after being in a bourbon cask for four and half years into a oloroso cask for a year and half. Having combined these two casks, it was then finished in Ruby Port for seven months, before being bottled.
ABV: 59.9%
Price: €99.95 for 700ml bottle
Available: from their website
Glass used: Túath
Their nose: Honeyed maltiness with warm port sweetness and woody vanilla inviting you to taste.
My Nose: Lovely sweet notes of sherbet and apples. Dark fruits, raisins and a touch of caramel
Their taste: A complex whiskey starting with almond tones followed by caramelised fruits, melting dark chocolate and finishing with honey and praline.
My taste: The dark fruit carries over from the nose. Lots of caramel, toffee and biscuit notes.
Their finish: A lingering warm finish continuing with the port sweetness, a hint of leather sprinkled only at times with a mint top note.
My finish: Wonderful mouth coating that goes on for quite a while! The lovely toffee notes remain and the sweet port influence is there, as reference in the official notes. It’s a finish that says, pour another one!
As I mentioned above, I am a huge Ruby Port fan, and this Thomas Connolly Athrú Single Cask did not disappoint! I’ll be adding one of these to my shopping list!
Hope you enjoyed the review? let me know what you think? Are you a fan of Ruby Port finishes?
Dave
* Thomas Connolly sent me this sample and Túath glass free of charge, but this has not in any way influenced my opinion.
Dave's Irish Whiskey 