Knappogue Castle 14-Year-Old Irish Whiskey Review

Sourced from Cooley, aged for 14 years in ex-Bourbon and ex-Oloroso Sherry casks and delivered non-chill filtered at 46% ABV, the Knappogue Castle 14-Year-Old Irish Whiskey is often referred to as the Twin Wood. Though I just refer to it as really good. And I like drinking it on my balcony in Hollywood... and now I'm out of rhymes.

This is a classic in the category and something I'm looking forward to finally sitting down to review. I've been enjoying it in bars and friend's houses for years and it's about time I open the wallet, buy my own bottle and write the Irish Whiskey review this bottle deserves.

Knappogue Castle 14-Year-Old Irish Whiskey Review: Details and Tasting Notes

Knappogue Castle 14 year old is the result of a marriage of 14-year-old single malts aged in two types of wood: bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks. It is non-chill filtered and bottled at 92 proof in limited quantities.

Knappogue Castle 14-Year-Old Irish Whiskey Review: Details (price, mash bill, cask type, ABV, etc.)

Region: Ireland

Price: $60

Non-Chill Filtered

Knappogue Castle 14-Year-Old Irish Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

NOSE
Complex fruit (orchard, vine and tropical), honey, frosting sweetness, malt, cake, buttery toffee, candies citrus and a bit of spice and biscotti.

PALATE
Complex fruit, buttery toffee, malty sweet, dark fruit leather, nuts, malt and some bits of spice and mandarin oranges.

FINISH
Long -> Sauternes, oak, spice and mandarin oranges.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, medium-full body and an oily silken feel.

Knappogue Castle 14-Year-Old Irish Whiskey Review: Overall and Score

I'm so damn happy right now and also so damn mad at myself for taking so long to review the Knappogue Castle 14-Year-Old Irish Whiskey. To me this whiskey embodies the promise of Irish Whiskey.

It can stand toe-to-toe with most, similar stat, Speyside whiskies and come out even or on top. This is more of the kind of stuff that makes me excited about the Irish Whiskey category and is quite often what I recommend to folks who want to get into it (along with something from the Redbreast line).

Aroma is soft and elegant with fruity and candy notes bolstered by malty ones. The Palate moves through a similar pattern, but with less complexity albeit more heaviness and richness. The finish should be made into breath mints or gum or a candle; it's just delightful. I can't recommend this whiskey enough.

SCORE: 88/100 (B+)