By Douglas Fraser
Rating: C+
The Whistler Imperial Stout Cask Finish Irish Whiskey
(Credit: Boann Distillery)
Ireland is currently reinvigorating its whiskey industry and Boann Distillery is part of Ireland’s 21st Century distilling boom. Boann Distillery, which is paired with a brewery, has released a classic “brewstilling” limited edition. Their sister brewery, Boyne, took old Sherry hogsheads and filled them with their imperial stout. That done, these Sherry-turned-stout hogsheads were then used to finish Whistler 7 Year Old Premium Irish Whiskey. It’s bottled at 43% ABV.
The Whiskey
The Whistler Imperial Stout Cask Finish has one of the most impressive bottles I have ever seen. The cool slick black bottle matches the artistic label and musical cork. Unfortunately, the flavor of the whiskey doesn’t do the bottle justice.
Color: Deep Copper
On the nose are notes of coffee, wet grass, vanilla, creamy, dark chocolate, malty, oak, and corn grains. It wasn’t off putting, rather different and plain but not in a good way. On the palate are notes of toffee, malt, dark chocolate, and a thick creamy vanilla. The palate was a little better but still didn’t carry much weight. The finish is much shorter than I’d like, with leather, floral, and vanilla notes.
The Price
The Whistler Imperial Stout Cask Finish can be found for $50. Over in Europe, the 70cl bottle costs €48.