New Kilbeggan 18

[JohnM]

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos- ... 5994_n.jpg

[DavidH]

In light of a recent discussion around here, it's interesting to note the mention of caramel on the label.

[John]

That was well spotted David! Fair play. Why is it in German though - is this not for sale in Ireland also, so surely that would just raise more questions than not?

On the other issue. Given that other distilleries insist that they do not use caramel - is there perhaps a different colouring agent that could be used? If so, the defence that they don't use caramel in the maturation process would be legitimate. Just a thought.

[Malt-Teaser]

I certainly had to dig deep in the forum to find this discussion and even then there aren't too many thoughts on this whiskey.

I just want to say that I tried this in the Maniacs' Awards 2011 and was very impressed, although it was sampled totally blind at that point.
Yesterday evening one of the other Manaics joined me for an evening of whisk(e)y & discussion and we revisited this whiskey. Still excellent.
It does have a style that I personally like.

Malty

[DavidH]

I did write it up on my own blog. Like yourself, I really liked it, which was a bit unexpected since I didn't take to the 15yo. There is a secret ingredient in the 18yo though: some sherry-finished malt. Perhaps that's what gives it the balance it needed.

[Good Whiskey Hunting]

That was well spotted David! Fair play. Why is it in German though - is this not for sale in Ireland also, so surely that would just raise more questions than not?

On the other issue. Given that other distilleries insist that they do not use caramel - is there perhaps a different colouring agent that could be used? If so, the defence that they don't use caramel in the maturation process would be legitimate. Just a thought.

The German food safety require that they put it on their products if they use additives. You'll see it on all bar menus. They usually mention which ones are in the various products, E102 E621 etc. Tullamore Due also has it too. Although it's not on the bottle to my knowledge.
Is the 18 year old bottled or labeled in Germany?