Whiskey Review/Tasting: Connemara Single Malt

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Produced by the Cooley Distillery in the Republic of Ireland, specifically in the northeast, close to the border with Northern Ireland.
Type: No age statement, single malt whiskey.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Distilled in pot stills, with a portion of the maturation process occurring in ex-sherry casks. The Distillers Edition is specifically noted for this sherry cask influence.
Age Statement: No specific age statement provided.
Color and Bottle Design: The whiskey may have added caramel color. The bottle design and labeling cater to the French market, with descriptions in French emphasizing its unique position in the Irish whiskey landscape and its maturation in sherry casks.

Balance of Flavors: Described as quite balanced, with a harmonious blend of peat smoke, distillery character, and the influence of sherry casks.
Unique Characteristics: Notably less intense peat smoke compared to Islay whiskies, estimated at 25-35 PPM, allowing for a more balanced profile where fruitiness and heather spiciness can shine through.
Comparison: While unique among Irish whiskies for its peated character, it's less intense in smoke than Islay whiskies, offering a different balance of flavors.

Distillery Background: The Cooley Distillery, established in 1988 from a former pharmaceutical alcohol plant, has evolved from producing large quantities of reasonably priced whiskey for European supermarkets to focusing on single malt whiskies like Connemara.
Product Line: Connemara stands out as one of the few, if not the only, peated single malts from Ireland, offering a distinctive profile in the Irish whiskey category.

Geographical Naming: Despite being produced in the northeast of Ireland, the whiskey is named after the Connemara region in the west, suggesting a connection to the natural beauty and perhaps the peated character of the landscape.

"This a little weaker peat smoke brings a little more balance in the whiskey so the smoke is not that heavy the distillery character is coming through."
"The aftertaste long, warming, rewarding."
"It's worth it you pay a few euros, pounds, dollars more but it's worth it."

Connemara Single Malt is a no age statement whiskey from Cooley Distillery in Ireland, notable for its peated character.
It features a balanced flavor profile with peat smoke, sherry cask influence, and a hint of heather spiciness.
The whiskey is part of a shift in the distillery's focus towards premium single malts.
It holds cultural significance through its name, connecting it to the Connemara region.
Expert opinions highlight its balanced smoke, rewarding aftertaste, and value for money.

Peated Whiskey Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring peated whiskies beyond the typical Islay offerings might find Connemara's unique balance of smoke and sweetness appealing.
Irish Whiskey Lovers: Individuals who appreciate the smoothness and character of Irish whiskey but are looking for something with a bit more complexity and a peated twist.
Sherry Cask Finish Fans: Fans of the rich, fruity influence of sherry cask maturation will enjoy the added depth and sweetness this brings to Connemara's peated malt.