It’s the start of March and we are less than 2-weeks away from St. Patrick’s Day so why not start this month with Irish whiskey. Very recently I had the glorious opportunity to sample both their 25- and 30-year whiskies.

Let me start by saying that both are extremely expensive. These are types of whiskies you enjoy during a very special occasion. Are they delicious, yes, they absolutely are but, they are also, not whiskies you need have.

The 25-year is initially matured in bourbon barrels and sherry butts. It then spends 21 years in first-fill ruby port pipe oak casks.

Nose: fruit, sherry, and sweetness
Palate: chocolate, spices, and fruit
Finish: lightly sweet and spiced
ABV: 46%
Cost: $700+ (varies depending on where you look)

The 30-year is matured in bourbon barrels and sherry butts for 14 years. The whiskey is then finished in first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for 16 years.

Nose: caramel, sherry, and fruit
Palate: vanilla, figs, toffee, and sherry
Finish: sweet and dried fruit
ABV: 46%
Cost: $900+ (varies depending on where you look)

These whiskies are both great. The 25-year is the lightest of the two with fruitier, spice and sweet notes. The 30-year is more complex and has a lot more pastry notes in a sip.

Although I loved them, I don’t love them enough to ever buy one. I’m grateful to have sample them but at the of the day there are loads of other Irish whiskies that are just as great and affordable. These are not whiskies your hard-earned money needs to go to.

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.