Hyde Special Reserve - Triple Sample Pack

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 (1860-1949). It displays the year of his inauguration, 1938 on the front. It's a blend of an eighteen year old single malt & eight year old single grain sherry cask finish.

Appearance
Lyles golden syrup.

Nose
Definitely floral notes here and it's also reminiscent of toffee apple and caramel.

Taste
More full bodied than the number 8. Taste registers at the back of the throat. The more I sample the better it gets. It's definitely a grower.

Finish
Oak is prevalent with a long and fulfilling conclusion.

Hyde No.6 President's Reserve
 
Hyde No.8 Heritage Cask

The number 8 is a stout cask finished whiskey from Kentucky; USA which cotton ball Irish stout has aged in for three months and it was the first one I opted to try of the three samples I received.

Appearance
Tanned brogues at sunset.

Nose
Fruit cake, empty coffee mug and berries. However, it burns on the nose just a little.

Taste
Smooth at first which quickly heats the middle of the tongue.

Finish
I found it quite harsh in truth. The finish is long and pleasant once the initial harshness evaporates.

Hyde No.8 Heritage Cask

Conclusion

The No.1 President's Cask is my pick of the bunch which I have sampled. There are many more blends available to taste with Hyde, I for one will definitely being looking to try the rest sometime soon.

Check them out here.
Location: Skibbereen, Co. Cork, Ireland

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