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...

Highland Park - The Dark The Dark is a limited edition release which is complimented with another recent release from Highland Park ‘The Light’. The latter was recently awarded a double gold medal at 2018's San Francisco World Spirits competition. It’s a dram I have not yet had the opportunity to taste but if it’s anything like ‘The Dark’ it will be well worth it. With an alcohol by volume percentage of 52.9% and no colouring added (something Highland Park prides itself on continuing not to do), ‘The Dark’ is an aesthetically alluring beverage. Having sampled the 12 year old and the smokier, Dragon Legend this deservedly resides further still up the line of great whiskeys from this consistently exceptional Orkney based distillery. Citing a maturation period of seventeen years, this delightful toddy really is something to cherish. Examining the glass, presents the appearance of tears on the inside of the glass. Tasting notes Appearance Dark brown with a reddish-...

If you have yet to sample Isle of Jura’s extensive range of whiskey available right now, then I would implore you to do so. This 10 year single malt is not as pleasing as Superstition, but then you may have read contrasting reviews elsewhere about this particular tincture already. There’s a gorgeous colour to this beverage and a sweet and chocolaty scent draws you in initially. It’s certainly not full-bodied but still a very good quality whiskey with an agreeable aftertaste and instantly warming allure. I bought the 20cl edition which was accompanied with a bottle of Sanda Blonde IPA which does compliment this whiskey very well. It’s a refreshing and sweet craft beer that goes down easy. However, it’s not a whiskey I will be rushing out to buy more off anytime soon.

On a recent trip to Edinburgh I came across this divine whiskey, marketed as ‘Scotland’s Little Gem’. Famed as being distilled in Scotland’s smallest distillery since 1825. Aged in a combination of Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks. This single malt has quite a kick to it. This is not a smooth whisky. I found it has a bit of a sharp though sugary aftertaste that is instantly warming. Bit of a singe on the nostrils. There is a smidgen of caramel here and it’s refreshingly sharp, whilst also sweet. It’s like a sharp intake of breath on a crisp and frosty November morning. There’s also hints of liquorice and coffee in there for those patient enough to sniff it out. Facts Chill-filtered at 40% ABV. Where: Perthshire, Scotland Sizes available: 70cl, 20cl & 5cl