Whiskey, Strengths, and the Find

[idkuhlbrz]

Okay, new to all of this, so no crass comments on my stupidity. Now, IrishWhiskeyChaser you suggested that I purchase Irishman whiskey cask strength rare. Question back to you is, where do I find it? Only 600 bottles came to the states and the whiskey exchange is out of it. Anyone got a spare bottle? The Connemara Cask strength that you mentioned, I am still researching. I do believe you are correct when stating that I need to look for a higher strength other than 40%. At this point I am looking for something like this for the holidays, because he said I couldn't find anything for him and that tells me I will find something. haha. I may have to move heaven and earth to find it, but I am slightly bullheaded.

Now, I knew Bushmills was in the north but I know nothing of Midleton and Bow St in Dublin. Let alone, where is Jameson located? I have done some reading about Midleton and was eyeing a bottle of Midleton very rare from 2009. What do you know about this? Does Jameson make anything above 40%? The trip between distilleries should not be a bad one. Ireland is not that big and I like to drive. Thanks, Jenn

[DavidH]

The Midleton and Bow Street that IWC referred to are defunct distilleries that are now tourist attractions. Jameson used to be made at Bow Street (in Dublin) and is now made at a new distillery in Midleton (Cork).

I think you set the bar very high with the Jameson Rarest so how about going for something less expensive but still interesting this time. Kilbeggan Distillery Reserve Malt is the first whiskey from Kilbeggan Distillery in over 50 years and only recently released. It is truly something new in Irish whiskey, and it tastes great too.

Connemara Turf Mór is close to being releaed. It's Connemara, but with extra peat. We are all looking forward to trying it.

[JohnM]

They have the Irishman at http://www.celticwhiskeyshop.com/ and they post to the US.

[idkuhlbrz]

David, thanks for the information. I did some reading on the ones you suggested. So let me ask you this. If you were given Jameson RVR and finished that bottle and wanted something smooth and stronger, what would it be?

[idkuhlbrz]

John, thanks for the website. I appreciate it.

[IrishWhiskeyChaser]

Okay the story in short is "true Irishamn" has set op the task of finding an Irish Whiskey that will make him "Warm & fuzzy" but he believes it does not exist.

That is why we are on the cask strength trail ...

The Irishman Cask Strength Rare fits that bill as does Connemara Cask strength.

Any other suggestions ... we are looking for something that is available to warm the cockles of the heart of this "true Irishman" but more importantly prove that out heroine, Jenn, is a worthy friend of Kings and Presidents

[idkuhlbrz]

Ah, IWC, what a dear you are. You made me smile. You keep looking and maybe I'll buy when I get there.

[idkuhlbrz]

Who knows what about knockeen hills gold extra strength and midleton rare?

[TheWhiskeyBro]

Hi there Jenn, after setting the bar high with the Jameson RVR the following is a selection to consider.

Midleton Very Rare 2009 is the classically recognised Irish Whiskey delicate and complex at the same time (available Worldwide)
Greenspot is an icon of the traditional pure pot still style (most easily found in Ireland)

Irishman 70 (Clan in the US) or Writer's Tears are both everyday whiskies that can be enjoyed by anyone.

Bushmills would have to be the 16yo or the 21yo which are amazing whiskies (the distillery reserve is not bad either)

Cooley have a wide range of whiskies and any of the Tyrconnell or Connemara single casks are worth trying, the CelticWhiskeyShop usually have these.

In terms of visiting Ireland there are six whiskey centers you can visit.

Bushmills Distillery near the Causeway coast in the north of Ireland.
Cooley's Riverstown Distillery, Riverstown, Co. Louth (by appointment)
Cooley's Kilbeggan micro-distillery and Locke's Heritage museum, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath
Tullamore Heritage Centre, small visitor's centre, Tullamore, Co. Westmeath
Jameson Bow Street visitors centre, Smithfield, Dublin
Midleton Heritage Centre, Midleton Co. Cork

and the CelticWhiskeyShop in Dawson Street, Dublin (Ireland's largest selection of whiskey)

[idkuhlbrz]

Good afternoon Whiskey Bro,
You have given much information to look through. It is fabulous to get that from you. So the question to you also is, after having Jameson RVR what would you like to drink? Something though that is stronger and smooth. Thanks.

[TheWhiskeyBro]

The lucky recipient of the JRVR might be referring to something with more body rather than alcoholic strength. As a general rule of thumb older whiskies such as those included in the JRVR have a tendency to be mellower and smoother.

The Bushmills 21yo is a fine whiskey and I'd be very happy if I was given a gift of this whiskey.

More recently Midleton (Jameson) have released in the US a whiskey called Redbreast 15yo which is another Irish pure pot still whiskey, it is a smooth full bodied whiskey with a lovely spicy mouthfeel and bottled at 46% abv, similarly its younger brother the Redbreast 12 year old (Jim Murrays Irish Whiskey of the Year 2010) is also a great whiskey and can be easily found in the US. I enjoy both on a regular basis.

[jcskinner]

+1 on the Bush 21. A truly superb whiskey, and a bargain at US prices compared to over here.
As IWC said, the 16 yo Bushmills is a mighty whiskey too, and much more affordable. But if we're talking the Jameson RVR price bracket, go for the 21 yo Bushmills.

[cathach]

I'd recommend one of the Bushmills single cask whiskies 50%+, especially the Sherry Cask.
Tyrconnel Pot/Sherry/Madeira are all 46% and so taste much 'fuller' and 'stronger' in my view at least.
Redbreast 15yo is bottled at 46% and like the above is non-chillfiltered which again means it is much more full-bodied on the palate.

Try to source them in the US on a site such as wine-searcher.com or try samswines,com, missionliquors.com, binnys benerage depot or try this guy in Rhode Island http://www.joyalsliquors.com/ I highly recommend the last guy Joyal he's a real character and doesn't make it difficult to give him money. He'll ship out of state too.

[IrishWhiskeyChaser]

Yes a single cask cask strength Bushmills would be a cracker but they are harder to come by these days. Good call ... Mr Lavin (But don't worry your secret is safe with me )

[idkuhlbrz]

Thanks Whiskey Bro,

I appreciate the Bushmills 21y advice. If you are able to attend the meeting this month, let me know your opinion of anything new.

Thanks much,
Jenn

[idkuhlbrz]

Cathach,

Thanks kindly for the information on the cask and the new website. I like it when its not hard to give people money and they like to ship where ever I want it sent.

Thanks
Jenn

[idkuhlbrz]

You all have been superb and given me much information, new things to look into, and widened my perspective. Now, I have a thought to pass by all of you. Granted, I am coming to Ireland next August, but would one acquire a bottle of Bushmills 12yo that is only available at the Distillery?

Thanks
Jenn

[IainB]

If the last one I had is anything to go by then yes, definitely. Lovely whiskey with a heavy sherry influence.

[TheWhiskeyBro]

Judging by how long my last bottle lasted it is a thumbs up on the Bushmills Distillery Reserve

[idkuhlbrz]

Okay, WB, how do I acquire that bottle of Bushmills without going to the distillery? By the way...if you go to the tasting tonight, let me know how the Turf Mor notes are.