Tyrconnell / Connemara sherry finishes

[DavidH]

I hear that Ally (ie the Celtic Whiskey Shop) has a couple of sherry specials maturing up at Cooley, a Palo Cortado and an Amontillado. It'll be hard to top that red wine finish though.

[IainB]

I don't think the Amontillado is a Tyrconnell, if the peat in the sample I tasted today is anything to go by!

Tis pretty good though.

[TheWhiskeyBro]

Spot on, actually it is one of each, a Connemara and a Tyrconnell, laid down 6 or 7 weeks ago....

[DavidH]

Thanks for the peat detail. I amended the thread title to be more accurate.

[TheWhiskeyBro]

As far as I know the Connemara is in the Palo Cortado cask and the Tyrconnell is in the Amontillado cask,

Not sure how old the respective whiskies were when they were put in the cask,

If anyone knows please post details....

[DavidH]

I don't think the Amontillado is a Tyrconnell

the Tyrconnell is in the Amontillado cask

I think a gentleman's wager is called for. How does an even monkey on the outcome sound? Anybody want any side-action?

[TheWhiskeyBro]

I'm backing myself, a certain scotsman who could be a fan of a certain peated sherry style would naturally pick the more exclusive sherry cask for the peaty one!

"Palo Cortado is a rare variety of sherry that is initially aged under flor to become a fino or amontillado, but inexplicably loses its veil of flor and begins aging oxidatively as an oloroso. The result is a wine with some of the richness of oloroso and some of the crispness of amontillado. Only about 1-2% of the grapes pressed for sherry naturally develop into palo cortado." wikipedia


Rest my case.... odds dramatically shorten to 5/2 on vs 8/5 against.....

[Luke Gough]

Confirmation!

I was in Celtic Whiskey yesterday evening and Michael Lawlor gave me preview samples of the following at cask strength:

The AN Crianza-Finished Tyrconnell (Good)

The Palo Cortado-finished Tyrconnell (Good, a crisp dryness)

The Amontillado-finished Connemara (Scary Good - Strong Phenols well-complimented by the wood) Laphroaig fans should take note of this one [Adrian]

Please keep in mind that the above, with the exception of CWS2, have only been in the finishing wood about eight weeks, the previous stage of maturation was about ten years in bourbon.

Interesting times indeed Gentlemen!

[DavidH]

OK, WhiskeyBro, pay up!

[IainB]

See, I kept my own counsel on this, being quietly confident. Plus I'd tried both that day and Michael had written a PC and an A on the little plastic cups. The A was the peaty one.

[Luke Gough]

Likewise with me Iain!

If in doubt 'phone Michael Lawlor in the shop!

[TheWhiskeyBro]

Mea Culpa