Connemara Peated Irish Whiskey

Since Beam took over Cooley several years ago, Connemara was put in new livery, but the typical shape of the bottle was kept (contrary to, for example, Kilbeggan). The Peated Single Malt, sometimes referred to as ‘The Smokey One’, now got the mention ‘Original’ on the label, but the recepy of this double distilled, peated irish whiskey remained the unchanged.

The nose is pleasantly smoky with loads of vanilla, apple juice, banana peel and a surprising hint of white chocolate. A little bit of seaweeds and some mild ashes appear. This reminds me briefly (very briefly, mind you) of young Caol Ila. Some pencil shavings and almonds make it rather pleasant.

Unfortunately the body is quite flat and it is completely devoid of spiciness. First I get some sweet and sour fruit (think agrums), before some smoke develops. Reminds me a bit of smoked bacon now. Quite nice, despite being very light.

In the medium long finish it finally shows some spices.

It is better than I remember from previous releases, but it is still not a grand whiskey. Thank the Maker for batch variation!

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