South Boston has very strong Irish-American heritage so it is fitting that one of the products put out by GrandTen Distilling located in South Boston, MA is an Irish whiskey. However, we all know that for Irish whiskey to be called Irish whiskey, it actually has to be made in Ireland.
In order to put out a true Irish whiskey, GrandTen partnered with an Irish distillery, which I believe at the tasting I was told it was the Cooley Distillery. The whiskey is distilled in Ireland and the product is then labeled and bottled here in Boston at GrandTen Distilling.
Now, before I get into more of this review, this is a bottle of whiskey I would always see at my local liquor store, or as they might say here in Boston, the local packy. I would always walk past it without a glance. Many times my boyfriend would say, should we get this whiskey and try it? But I was never sold on it and would always say no. Finally, we had the chance to try it during a whiskey tasting event we attended.
Tasting Notes
Nose: slightly sweet and malty with notes of citrus and bananas
Palate: sweet, cinnamon, malty and citrus
Finish: smooth, spice and oak
Let’s be honest, I passed judgment on this whiskey before I tried it. I didn’t really care to try it and the only reason I did was because I got it during the tasting. Truth be told, this whiskey may seem like a gimmick but it far exceeds expectations.
This whiskey is light, smooth and pretty solid. I was completely taken a back on how much I enjoy it because in my head, it was going to be a flop. It’s far from a flop. Its darn good whiskey that surprised me in taste and in quality!
If you are in the market for a new whiskey to try at around the $30 range, try this whiskey. It goes down easy and could make great cocktails. I do recommend trying and know for sure it’s a whiskey I plan to add to my collection.
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.
I think this is one Irish Whiskey you won’t actually get in Ireland!
Glad you enjoyed it.
Ha ha… yes I completely agree with you.