Glendalough Mizunara Cask 7 Years | Whiskey Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Ireland
Type: Single Malt Whiskey
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured in American oak bourbon barrels and then finished in Japanese Mizunara oak casks.
Age Statement: 7 years
Color and Bottle Design: The specific color of the whiskey is not described, but the bottle features the image of St. Kevin and carries Japanese letters, highlighting its unique Mizunara cask finish.

Balance of Flavors: The whiskey presents a complex balance between fruitiness and spiciness, with a notable presence of tropical fruit flavors and a strong spicy aftertaste.
Unique Characteristics: The use of Mizunara oak imparts distinct tropical fruit flavors, such as pineapple, and a notable spiciness, including cinnamon and possibly ginger, leading to a long, spicy aftertaste.
Comparison: The whiskey is noted for being unexpectedly spicy for an Irish whiskey, which are typically smoother. This spiciness sets it apart from both traditional Irish whiskeys and other Mizunara cask-finished whiskeys the reviewers have tried.

Distillery: Glendalough Distillery is described as very small, with a significant investment in oak, particularly in acquiring the rare Mizunara casks.
St. Kevin: The label features St. Kevin, a monk known for his hermit lifestyle in the wild, which ties into the whiskey's connection to nature and the distillery's location in the Glen of Two Lakes, a nature reserve.

Mizunara Oak: The use of Mizunara (Japanese oak) is significant due to its rarity and the unique flavors it imparts. The oak is difficult to work with due to the tree's irregular growth, making Mizunara casks expensive and sought after.
Glendalough's Location: The distillery is situated in a picturesque nature reserve, the Glen of Two Lakes, emphasizing its connection to the natural beauty and history of Ireland.

"Mizunara is a very, very expensive oak... it's really hard to make staves out of this oak because the tree just doesn't grow straight." - Horst Leuning
"I expected some spiciness in the flavor, but much more spiciness now... you really have a full flavor in your mouth." - Ben Leuning
"It's a sipping whiskey definitely... pretty good, I like it." - Ben Leuning

Glendalough Mizunara Cask 7 Years is an Irish single malt whiskey finished in rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks.
The whiskey features a complex balance of tropical fruitiness and intense spiciness, with a long, spicy aftertaste.
The distillery's small size and dedication to quality, along with the cultural significance of Mizunara oak and the story of St. Kevin, add depth to the whiskey's identity.
The whiskey is unexpectedly spicy for an Irish whiskey, making it a unique offering in the category.
The reviewers appreciate the whiskey's complexity and recommend it as a sipping whiskey.

Whiskey Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring the unique flavors imparted by Mizunara oak.
Irish Whiskey Lovers: Individuals looking for an Irish whiskey with a twist, offering a spicier profile than typical.
Collectors: The limited nature of Mizunara cask finishes and the batch number (001) may appeal to collectors seeking unique or rare bottles.