Whiskey Review/Tasting: Powers 12 years John's Lane

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Powers John's Lane is an Irish whiskey, produced by the Middleton distillery located near Cork, Ireland. The whiskey is named after the street in Dublin where the original Powers distillery was located before it went bankrupt. The brand now belongs to the Middleton distillery.
Type: It is a single pot still whiskey, which means it is made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whiskey is triple distilled and unchilled filtered. It is aged for 12 years and is a blend of whiskies matured in Bourbon and Sherry Oloroso casks.
Age Statement: 12 years.
Color and Bottle Design: The whiskey is presented in a bottle with a clear label indicating its age statement and alcohol content (46%). The bottle design emphasizes its premium quality.

Balance of Flavors: The whiskey offers a complex and intense flavor profile, with a unique balance between spiciness, sweetness, and a hint of bitterness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its dark chocolate and wood notes, with additional hints of caramel, leather, and possibly tobacco. The spiciness is present even before swallowing, which is unusual and noteworthy.
Comparison: The flavor profile is more intense and complex compared to typical Irish whiskies, which are generally lighter and more subtle. The pot still distillation contributes to its richness and depth.

Historical Anecdotes: The whiskey's name and origin story pay homage to the old Powers distillery in Dublin, linking it to a rich history before its acquisition by the Middleton distillery.
Production Insights: The host shares personal anecdotes about visiting the Middleton distillery, providing a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of whiskey production.

Geographical Context: The transition of the Powers brand from Dublin to Cork and the preservation of its legacy through the Powers John's Lane release highlight the cultural and historical significance of whiskey production in Ireland.

"Oh, that is quite a unique smell."
"It's a pretty decent whiskey, meets all the standards for high-class whisky."
"That's really, really intense bottle."
The host expresses surprise at the absence of the typical dryness or mouthwatering effect, indicating a unique characteristic of this whiskey.

Powers John's Lane is a 12-year-old single pot still Irish whiskey from the Middleton distillery, aged in Bourbon and Sherry Oloroso casks.
It features a complex flavor profile with dark chocolate, wood, caramel, leather, and possibly tobacco notes, along with an unusual spiciness present before swallowing.
The whiskey pays homage to the historical Powers distillery in Dublin, with the brand now residing under the Middleton distillery in Cork.
The host appreciates the whiskey's intensity and complexity, noting its departure from typical Irish whiskey characteristics.

Whiskey Enthusiasts: Those with a deep appreciation for complex and intense flavor profiles will enjoy exploring the unique characteristics of Powers John's Lane.
Irish Whiskey Lovers: Individuals who are fans of Irish whiskey but looking for something with more depth and intensity than the usual offerings.
History and Culture Buffs: Anyone interested in the historical and cultural significance of whiskey production in Ireland, especially the story behind the Powers brand.
Beginners with a Bold Palate: Newcomers to whiskey who are not afraid to dive into more complex and intense flavors might find this an intriguing choice.