Whiskey Review/Tasting: Hyde

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Republic of Ireland, specifically from the county of West Cork.
Type: Single malt Irish whiskey.
Distillation Process: Distilled in two copper pot stills.
Maturation Process: Aged for 10 years in flame-charred, first-fill oak bourbon casks and finished in vintage sherry casks.
Age Statement: 10 years.
Color and Clarity: Unspecified, but the whiskey is uncolored.
Bottle Design: Described as heavy and valuable, with a thick bottom, indicating a premium presentation. The bottle holds 0.7 liters of whiskey.

Balance of Flavors: A complex balance of citrus fruits, sweetness from the sherry, and spiciness from the pot still distillation and the casks used.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its non-chill filtered process, 46% ABV, and the use of Manuka honey in its flavor profile, which is described as a natural cure and adds a unique sweetness.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique combination of bourbon and sherry cask maturation, along with pot still distillation, sets it apart.

Distillery Background: Hyde is the first bottle from the independent bottler Hibernia Distillers, located in West Cork, Ireland. The whiskey is distilled at the Cooley distillery.
Historical References: The name "Hyde" references Douglas Hyde, the first president of the Republic of Ireland, with the number 1922 on the bottle marking the year of Ireland's war of independence.

Geographical Significance: The whiskey's maturation in West Cork is highlighted as providing perfect conditions for aging, emphasizing the importance of location in whiskey production.
Cultural Significance: The reference to 1922 and Douglas Hyde ties the whiskey to significant events in Irish history, emphasizing its Irish identity.

Horst Luening's Opinion: Describes the whiskey as smooth, well-rounded, yet complex, and replete with full flavor notes. He appreciates the non-chill filtered process and the whiskey's robust flavor profile.
Noteworthy Quote: "This one is definitely a good one."

Hyde is a 10-year-old single malt Irish whiskey, distilled in copper pot stills and aged in bourbon and sherry casks.
It features a complex flavor profile with citrus, sweetness, and spiciness.
The whiskey is tied to Irish history and culture, referencing the war of independence and the first president of the Republic of Ireland.
Horst Luening praises its smoothness, complexity, and unique flavor notes, particularly highlighting the use of Manuka honey.

Whiskey Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring Irish whiskies with a rich historical background and unique maturation process.
Collectors: Limited edition nature (5,000 bottles) makes it appealing for collectors.
New Whiskey Drinkers: Its smooth and well-rounded profile, combined with the complexity of flavors, might appeal to those new to whiskey, looking to explore beyond the basics.