Continuing the Irish whiskey series this month, today’s review is of the flagship product of the Knappogue (pronounced “nah-POHG”) Castle distillery out of County Clare, Ireland. This spirit is triple-distilled and then aged in ex-bourbon barrels for at least 12 years. Older expressions use finishing barrels, but this bottle is intended to let the whiskey shine on its own.
This review was provided by @CoreyEngineer a member of our Patreon Community! We would like to say thank you for his support and providing us his tasting notes!
Just the Facts: Knappogue Castle 12 year old
- Proof: 80
- Age: 12 years
- Mash Bill: 100% malted barley
- Style: Irish Single Malt
- Cask: Bourbon
- Finish: N/A
- Price: $45
Corey’s Tasting Notes: Knappogue Castle 12
Color: Sunlight yellow
Nose: Musty, earthy, leather, pine needles, slight fruit undertone
Palate: None of the mustiness. Mellow notes of honey and cherry licorice followed by limestone. Sitting with it reveals an apple note with faint baking spices.
Finish: Clean, light-bodied, but long
Closing Thoughts:
This is one of the first Irish Whiskeys I’ve had. From a bourbon drinker’s perspective, this is comparably a much lighter spirit but it still brings plenty of flavor.
Bourbon Lens Podcast Featuring Irish Whiskey:
- 218: The Method and Madness of an Irish Whiskey Micro-Distillery
- 209: The Irish Whiskey Resurgence with Sliabh Liag Distillers
- 107: Add Some Slane Irish Whiskey To Your Coffee
- 166: St. Patrick’s Day with J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey
- 217: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Experiencing Irish Whiskey
- 62: Barley & Blarney – St. Patrick’s Day
