Glendalough 7 Year Old

Five friends from Wicklow and Dublin founded the Glendalough Distillery in 2011. They already produce 4 gins and three Poitin (unaged spirit), but have also released three single malts so far: Glendalough Double Barrel, 7 Year Old and 13 Year Old. Obviously that must be purchased malt. I will first try the 7 Year Old, simply for the fact that this is a lucky number. Perhaps they are superstitious at Glendalough.

The nose is rich in apples, banana and citrus – orange zest! – with a mild floral touch, but also something metallic (without disturbing). I am reminded of furniture polish. But it works. The nose is clean and fruity and nicely balanced.

It is less balanced on the palate, though. The orange zest returns and takes the lead. This is followed by crème brûlée and apples. Some cinnamon and allspice. Rosehip. Unripe banana. And again that metallic ege, but it still does not bother me.

The finish is quite long and spicy, in which the oranges make place for tea and tannins. It does die a very bitter death.

Nice new Irish, although not really, of course. If I were a gambling man (which I am not), I’d say this is Cooley. Around 50 EUR.