Whiskey Review/Tasting: Kilbeggan 21 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Produced at the Cooley Distillery, located in the north of the Republic of Ireland, close to the border with Northern Ireland.
Type: Irish blended whiskey.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured in a combination of American Bourbon, Port, Madeira, and Sherry barrels. The exact proportions of malt and grain in the blend are not specified.
Age Statement: 21 years.
Color and Bottle Design: The color is not too dark, suggesting a moderate use of Sherry, Madeira, and Port casks, or the use of these casks multiple times. The bottle design includes a tricky package with magnets on top, maintaining the well-known Kilbeggan bottle aesthetic.

Balance of Flavors: Described as having a sweet, smooth taste with a complex character, achieved through careful aging.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its deep, multifaceted flavor profile, including ripe fruit (berries, bananas, oranges), nectar, plum, cedar oak, licorice, sweet oak, damson, vanilla, and a coffee flavor finish.
Comparison: The flavor profile is rich and complex, with a notable oakiness and a slight bitterness from the coffee flavor, which may not appeal to everyone.

Distillery Background: Kilbeggan was converted from a pharmaceutical alcohol plant to a vodka distillery before producing whiskey. The Cooley Distillery, under the Kilbeggan label, has maintained a pace of innovation.
Anecdotes: There's a humorous mention of a spelling mistake by Jim Beam (which owns Kilbeggan) on a Laphroaig bottle, showcasing the presenter's light-hearted approach to discussing the industry.

Historical Context: The Kilbeggan brand has a long history, with the Cooley Distillery playing a significant role in the Irish whiskey landscape. The transition from a pharmaceutical plant to a distillery highlights the evolving nature of the industry in Ireland.

"This is really an old one and it shows the oakiness really."
"If you're not fond of coffee, this one is not for you."
"This is one of the very few that old whiskies from Cooley, so it's quite expensive."

Kilbeggan 21 years is an Irish blended whiskey with a complex flavor profile, matured in a mix of American Bourbon, Port, Madeira, and Sherry barrels.
It features a rich array of flavors, including ripe fruits, cedar oak, vanilla, and a distinctive coffee finish.
The whiskey's history and production process are tied to the Cooley Distillery's innovative approach.
It is considered a premium, limited edition whiskey, with a price reflecting its age and quality.
The review includes personal anecdotes and opinions, emphasizing the whiskey's unique characteristics and potential appeal to specific tastes.

For Whiskey Connoisseurs: Those with a preference for aged, complex whiskies with a rich flavor profile and a willingness to explore subtle nuances, including the bitterness of coffee.
For Irish Whiskey Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in the historical and cultural significance of Irish whiskey, looking to experience a premium example of the country's distilling craft.
For Collectors: Given its limited edition status and unique packaging, this whiskey might appeal to collectors seeking to add a distinguished and aged Irish whiskey to their collection.
Not Recommended For: Beginners or those who prefer lighter, sweeter whiskies without the pronounced oakiness and bitterness found in aged expressions.