Hyde No. 2 10 Years Irish Whiskey Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: West Cork, Ireland.
Type: Single Malt Irish Whiskey.
Distillation and Maturation: The whiskey is aged for 10 years in first-fill bourbon casks, followed by a finish in Oloroso sherry and dark rum casks. The maturation process involves 100% malted Irish barley.
Age Statement: 10 years.
Color and Clarity: The review does not explicitly mention the color, but it implies the whiskey is likely natural in color as there is no mention of added coloring.
Bottle Design: The bottle comes in a nice case, with a specific bottle number (No. 2,919) and bottling date (September 2015) indicated, suggesting a limited production or batch-specific release.

Balance of Flavors: The whiskey is described as incredibly fruity, with a significant sweetness and minimal presence of wood, smoke, or saltiness. There is no mention of pepper or spiciness in the finish, contrary to the official tasting notes.
Unique Characteristics: The whiskey showcases a dominant fruitiness, with notes of passion fruit, mango, and a hint of vanilla. The influence of Oloroso sherry casks brings dried fruit and nut flavors, while the dark rum casks add tropical zest and a sticky sweetness.
Comparison: The aroma suggests similarities to a PX sherry cask whiskey, but the taste is distinctively different, emphasizing its unique flavor profile.

Distillery: The whiskey is an independent bottling by Hibernia Distillers in West Cork, not directly from a distillery.
Historical Figure: Named after Douglas Hyde, with this bottle being the second in a series, indicating a collection or series of releases.

Described as a "true taste of Ireland," the whiskey's production in West Cork and the use of traditional Irish whiskey-making methods (100% malted barley) highlight its deep roots in Irish whiskey culture and heritage.

"For me, definitely a fruit bomb."
"If you're in the mood for something fruity, something sweet, then [this is a] good whiskey for you."
The reviewer appreciates the whiskey's unique and fruity flavor profile, distinguishing it from other Irish whiskeys and highlighting its appeal for those seeking a sweet and fruity whiskey.

Hyde No. 2 is a 10-year-old single malt Irish whiskey from West Cork, aged in bourbon casks with a finish in Oloroso sherry and dark rum casks.
The whiskey is non-chill filtered, bottled at 46%, and likely natural in color.
It features a dominant fruity flavor profile with notes of passion fruit, mango, and vanilla, without much wood, smoke, or spiciness.
Named after Douglas Hyde, it's part of a series by Hibernia Distillers, emphasizing its cultural significance and storytelling aspect.
Recommended for those who enjoy a sweet and fruity whiskey, offering a unique taste experience compared to typical Irish whiskeys.

Fruit Flavor Enthusiasts: Ideal for whiskey drinkers who prefer a dominant fruity and sweet profile over traditional smoky or peaty flavors.
Irish Whiskey Collectors: Those interested in exploring independent bottlings and unique expressions of Irish whiskey will find this bottle intriguing.
New Whiskey Explorers: Given its approachable flavor profile and lack of strong spiciness or smokiness, it's suitable for newcomers to whiskey looking to explore different tastes.