Whisky Review/Tasting: Tyrconnell 16 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Tyrconnell is an Irish whiskey produced at the Cooley Distillery, located in the north of the Republic of Ireland, close to the border with Northern Ireland.
Type: Single malt Irish whiskey.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whiskey is matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels. The distillery has a unique history, originally being a vodka plant before converting from a pharmaceutical alcohol production facility.
Age Statement: 16 years.
Color and Bottle Design: The specific color of the whiskey is not described, but the bottle design features a label with a famous racehorse, Tyrconnell, symbolizing victory against all odds. The packaging includes tasting notes and celebrates the unexpected and underestimated.

Balance of Flavors: The whiskey offers a well-nuanced flavor profile, with a pleasant balance between maltiness, honeyed sweetness, and fruitiness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its layers of malt, honeyed sweetness, citrus, and candied orange. The presence of vanilla and a subtle oakiness from the 16-year maturation process adds complexity.
Comparison: Distinguished from the non-age statement Tyrconnell by a more pronounced fruitiness and a less intense maltiness, indicating a richer and more developed character.

Distillery History: The Cooley Distillery's transformation from a vodka plant and previously a pharmaceutical alcohol production facility adds a unique chapter to its story.
Name and Label: Named after a famous racehorse, the Tyrconnell label embodies themes of unexpected victory and defying the odds, adding a layer of storytelling to the whiskey.

Irish Whiskey Tradition: As an aged Irish whiskey, Tyrconnell 16 years represents a more premium segment of the Irish whiskey market, which is often known for mass-produced, younger expressions. Its production at the Cooley Distillery, with its complex history and location, adds to its cultural and geographical significance.

Horst Luening's Impressions: Describes the whiskey as having a "wonderfully pleasant, well-nuanced note" with the alcohol content being "just wonderfully embedded." He appreciates the complexity and the rewarding aftertaste, noting that the oak influence is pleasantly balanced.

Tyrconnell 16 years is a premium single malt Irish whiskey from the Cooley Distillery.
Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, offering a complex flavor profile of malt, honey, citrus, and candied orange.
Named after a famous racehorse, embodying themes of victory against the odds.
Represents a more premium and complex offering within the Irish whiskey market.
Praised for its balance, complexity, and nuanced flavor profile.

For Whiskey Enthusiasts: Those with a deep appreciation for the nuances of aged whiskey will enjoy the complex flavor profile and the story behind Tyrconnell 16 years.
For Collectors: Given its limited initial release and the unique history of the distillery, collectors may find this whiskey a valuable addition to their collection.
For Irish Whiskey Lovers: Individuals who appreciate the subtleties of Irish whiskey and are looking to explore beyond the mass-produced offerings will find Tyrconnell 16 years to be a rewarding choice.