Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy 46%
Released in 2011/ Tasted: Jan 2013
A selection of Pot Still whiskey matured in ex Bourbon casks and new American oak.
The nose opens with an inviting and enveloping banana and white fruit note. Before long the gently spiced and sweet toffee’d oak arrives. The oak is extremely polished and begins to be the focal point of the nose. However some lovely, hard, Pot Still spices push through adding balance.
A huge wave of creamy oak to start followed by the brittle, hard, Pot Still grains. Underneath the avalanche of oak sits some unsweetened pineapple and banana, but as we get to the middle those grains and pushing hard against the oak. Warmingly spiced and gently sugared, the balance here is truly superb. Lovely length with a light floral grain note and a return of the fleshy fruit as the oak finally begins to subside.
Midleton Very Rare 2008 40%
Btl No: 025176/ Tasted: Mar 2013
A rock hard rye like Pot Still nose of earthy spice, which hold the boisterous aromas of banana and apricot fruit in check. With time the huge Pot Still spices kick in and a touch of coffee, linseed oil, sandalwood and leather become apparent. The aromas have a reasonable degree of maturity and it feels like it’s in its mid-teens.
Whoa the palate is so austere it makes your mouth water! Slightly oily (linseed) to begin with followed by some hard but juicy Pot Still grains and spices. Unyielding and crispy with lots of puckering oak but there is some oily banana skin and apricot trying to offset all that spice and oak, but damn that’s tight! Lovely finish displaying some herbal barley and light citrus notes.
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 