Barrel Proof, Blogger, Boston, Boston Blogger, Boston Whiskey Women, Caribbean Cask, cask strength, Ireland, Irish whiskey, Latina Blogger, Latina Whisky Blogger, New Blog Post, Not Sponsored, Review, Rum Casks, single malt, Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Single Malt Whiskey, Single malt whisky, St. Patrick's Day, whiskey, Whiskey Blogger, Whiskey Review, Whiskey Sampling, whiskeywench, Whisky, Whisky Blogger, Whisky Sampling, whisky tasting, Wine Casks, Women Who Whiskey

Killowen Rum and Raisin Irish Whiskey

Posted by whiskeywench on

And just like that, we’ve arrived in March—which means St. Patrick’s Day is only about two weeks away. The plan? Highlight as many Irish brands as possible. We’re kicking things off with one I had never heard of until recently: Killowen Small Batch Irish Distillers. To be honest, I was ready to blind‑buy this bottle. But right before committing, I spotted a small sign that read, “Sample before you buy—just ask.” So, we did. Spoiler: we walked out with the bottle. Let’s get into it.

Killowen was founded by distiller Brendan Carty and operates using two handmade, flame‑fed artisan pot stills paired with traditional worm‑tub condensers. This particular expression is a 100% Single Malt Irish Whiskey. After its initial maturation in bourbon casks, the whiskey is divided and finished separately in Killowen’s own Dark Rum casks and PX Sherry casks.

Nose: Raisins, figs, and a gentle sweetness.

Palate: Dark fruits, cinnamon, raisins, vanilla, coconut, and caramel.

Finish: Warm and spicy, with notes of apple, light sweetness, and a touch of chocolate.

Cost: $59.99 (what we paid)

ABV: 55%

I’ll be honest—I saw quite a few reviews from people who didn’t seem to enjoy this expression, but I ended up loving it. Being born in the Caribbean, rum is naturally close to my heart, so I really appreciate what the rum casks contribute to this dram. Yes, you can sense a bit of youthfulness at the start, but it doesn’t stop there. What follows is an explosion of flavor: cinnamon, raisins, and then the unmistakable Caribbean influence—vanilla and coconut—joining the conversation.

The finish is warm and full of spice, with hints of apple and a touch of sweetness. For me, it was a fantastic sip. If we hadn’t loved it, we simply wouldn’t have bought it. This expression genuinely surprised me in the best way, and I’m truly glad we brought it home.

This isn’t a whiskey that will suit every palate, but if you appreciate the bold complexity that a youthful whiskey can bring, this is one you’ll want to sample for yourself.

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 people to try it and make up their own minds.

Leave a comment