Hyde are independent whiskey bonders based in Skibbereen , County Cork, Ireland. Founded in 2014 by two brothers Conor & Alan Hyde, they blend, mature and finish in hand selected oak casks. These casks are sourced from all over the world. The different range of casks they use include; bourbon, port, rum and sherry. Earlier this month I was lucky enough to sample three different blends and below are my tasting notes. Hyde No.1 President's Cask Appearance Golden honey and aged straw. Nose Given this is matured in a sherry cask there are various sweet smells that tickle the senses the main being caramel. Taste I could taste pears, fudge and a little dried fruit. This registers on the lips and front of the tongue and upper gums, where there are satisfying tingles aplenty. Finish A long and smooth finish with gentle arboraceous notes. Hyde No.1 President's Cask Hyde No.6 President's Reserve The number 6 is  named in honour of the first president of Ireland Douglas Hyde (1860

My first online tasting experience happened recently, during the Covid 19 lockdown. I was lucky enough to take part in the Lambay Whiskey Tweet Tasting The marketing campaign for this exciting range of Irish Whiskey is second to none, instantly striking. I was thoroughly impressed by the leaflets, promotional items and indeed the website. Naturally, before taking part in the tasting, I wanted to learn a bit more about Lambay Whiskey and Lambay Island. Lambay Whiskey started back in 2018 and has grown increasingly popular amongst critics. In this short amount of time they have been awarded a total of no less than twenty three awards internationally, a haul that is likely to keep growing up for some time. A mere six people inhabit the two and a half square kilometre island of Lambay, which is located just 3 miles off the coast of Dublin, Ireland. As well as this it is also home to some rather interesting wildlife including Fallow deer and red-necked Wallabies which were int

Bulleit was undoubtedly my first ‘proper’ venture into the world of bourbon. Of course I’d tried it before at parties and functions. However, if I'm being honest, that is not exactly the best place to experience something like this and give it the attention it rightfully deserves. The Bulleit Distilling Company was founded in 1987 by Thomas E. BuIleit Jr., who was greatly inspired by his great-great-grandfather Augustus Bulleit, who made high-rye whiskey, Bulleits cornerstone. The distillery is located at the Kirin Brewing Company Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Bourbons spiritual home. Bulleit Bourbon is made with pure Kentucky limestone filtered water. Since temperature change is the primary factor in aging whiskey, Kentucky’s four distinct seasons provide ideal climate conditions for maturation. Having initially been bottled at 40% ABV for the UK market, it is now available at 45% ABV, having been introduced in 2014. So, most importantly, what’s it like? The fi