And just like that, we’re already in June. As the weather warms up, whiskey will probably take a bit of a back seat for the season but, before that, I still have a few more bottles I’m excited to share my thoughts on. I was introduced to this brand a couple of months ago and had the chance to sample several expressions: the 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey, the Three Crowns Blended Irish Peated Whiskey, and the 12-Year PX Single Malt. I enjoyed all of them, but today I want to focus on the one that stood out the most and earned a spot on our shelf. But first, a little background on the brand.
The brand traces its origins back to 1808, when William Napier and John Dunville first established the business. In 1825, John Dunville acquired his partner’s shares, renaming the company Dunville and Company. Although distilling operations came to an end in 1935, the brand was revived nearly 80 years later by Echlinville Distillery. With that history in mind, let’s dive into the tasting notes.
Nose: salt and smoke
Palate: cocoa, light sweetness, earthy, and wood smoke
Finish: chocolate, spices, fruit, and peat smoke
ABV: 43.5% | Cost: $50
The peat in this whiskey is incredibly approachable, which is what I appreciated most. There’s a light sweetness up front, balanced nicely by earthy notes and a gentle wood smoke. The finish is where it really opens up, bringing in layers of spice, chocolate, and even hints of orchard fruit.
It was a pleasant surprise! Good enough that we ended up purchasing a bottle. At around $50, it also offers excellent value. While it is peated, it’s not overwhelming, making it approachable even for those who don’t typically gravitate toward smoky whiskies. That said, it’s still one worth sampling first.
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.
