Writers Tears Pot Still Blend

This is a blend of malt and pot still whiskies, both distilled at Midleton and bottled by Walsh Whiskey (run by Bernard Walsh), makers of The Irishman. It has no grain whiskey in it. I decanted this bottle on Dec 19 2015.

The colour is a rich gold. On the nose we have green apple skins, linseed oil, kumquats and malt. Dark honey. Jasmine. Fresh-cut pine. Oily, fruity, floral and herbaceous. Becomes lighter and more floral with water. There is something I can't quite place muddying up the background but otherwise this is very nice.

On the palate, oilier still; lemon, apricot, white pepper and sage. Very fruity with a nice citrus zing. Light-bodied and crisp, like a sauvignon blanc. Water adds more fruitiness (peaches, nectarines) but drowns those light, crispy notes. The pot-still character really comes through.

The finish is a little rough with more oils, herbs and warming spices. I remember having a bottle a few years ago and being completely blown away by it. This one seems to be from another batch, and isn't quite at the level of that older bottling (which Jim Murray scored a 93). Still - this is very good stuff, easy to drink and better than most Irish whiskies in its price range.