This 2002 Exclusive Malts Cooley 13 Years was released a while ago so don’t expect to see it on the shelves right now. No sir, what we’re getting into some good old fashioned whiskey porn. Some delicious stuff that might not be easy to find, but is worth knowing about to know what you should keep your eyes open for.
Whiskey Review: 2002 Exclusive Malts Cooley 13 Years
In K&L’s Words: 2002 Exclusive Malts Cooley 13 Years
“Here is a fun one from our friends at the Creative Whisky Company. They made waves last year by bottling a single barrel of Irish Malt at full strength and 13 years of age. While those details are unusual without a doubt, what shocked the whiskey world was that very humble cask (#20012) received a WHOPPING 96 points from the Whiskey Advocate. While we’ve become accustomed to seeing high scores in the wine world, this type of score is reserved at WA for the most special offerings and is never doled out lightly.
The list of whiskies scoring above 95 points is short and reads like a list of legends. Needless to say we were sad to only acquire a few bottles of that spectacular whiskey. Luckily our good name and strong ties put us first in line when Mr. Stirk offered up a sister cask for sale in its entirety. This cask #20024 is unique, yet very reminiscent of that special beauty. The third-fill Madeira cask has still done wonders to this already spectacular malt. This is bottled at full strength and only 380 bottles were made despite the large size of the cask.”
2002 Exclusive Malts Cooley 13 Years price, ABV, age and other details
Region: Ireland
Distiller: Cooley
Bottler: Exclusive Malts (bottled for K&L)
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Madeira (3rd fill)
Age: 13 Years (1/02 – 12/15)
ABV: 54.2%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Cask: 20024
Bottles: 380
Price: $130
2002 Exclusive Malts Cooley 13 Years Tasting Notes
EYE
Golden
NOSE
Rich complex fruit with layers of orchard fruit, tropical fruit and golden raisins, malt, complex dark sweets, butter, taffy, orange marmalade and some oak and spice.
PALATE
Rich complex fruit heavy with golden raisins and layered with orchard fruit and tropical fruit, malt, copper, complex dark sweets, taffy, banana oil and some oak and spice.
FINISH
Long -> Complex fruit, spice, malt and oak.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, round full body and a heavy oily feel.
2002 Exclusive Malts Cooley 13 Years Review – OVERALL
The palate and aroma of the 2002 Exclusive Malts Cooley 13 Years are remarkably similar in delivery and are both great. Rich and full of nuances the fruity and malty delivery is complex, layered and juicy. Water brings out some notes of toasted marshmallows, dried apricots and gummy candies across the whole whiskey and ends up making it even more fun and nuanced.
Bottom line on this 2002 Exclusive Malts Cooley 13 Years is that this isn’t just a good Irish Whiskey it’s a good whiskey period. I want to be drinking this on the regular… why oh why wasn’t I born a Billionaire?
SCORE: 92/100 (A-)
