Knappogue Castle isn’t just a castle in County Clare, Ireland built on 1467 for the MacNamara clan; it is also the name of a very tasty Irish single malt whiskey. Lavoné Dickensheets Andrews and her husband Mark Edwin Andrews bought the castle back in the 1960’s. While Mrs. Andrews kept busy with the restoration process, Mr. Andrews focused on his passion of collecting whiskey and began collecting single pot still whiskey from the B. Daly Distillery.

During the time that the Andrews bought this castle, whiskey was often sold in casks back in Ireland. Mr. Andrews purchased the casks, matured them further and then bottled the whiskey naming it after his beloved Knappogue Castle. The last of his whiskey that remained available was a Knappogue 1951 pot still whiskey, triple distilled and aged for 36 year. It was his son Mark that later brought this whiskey out to the market in 1998. Now, Knappogue Castle forms a part of Castle Brands Inc.

I first tried this Knappogue 12 just about a month ago. Before then, I had not heard about it. I was pleasantly surprised by this whiskey and found it to be quite enjoyable.

Tasting Notes

Nose: oak and spice

Palate: fruity, vanilla and oak

Finish: fresh, well balanced and crisp

Knappogue 12 is different than any other Irish whiskey I have tasted before. I would even recommend this whiskey to non/first time whiskey drinkers. It is smooth and light enough that I think anyone would enjoy. In addition to all that, this great tasting Irish whiskey will not break the bank. A bottle would cost around $42-$45. The whiskey is well worth the price and honestly I think it’s a steal at this cost.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.