About that flowery-smoky nose: I am a beekeeper. We use smoke to calm the bees when we open the hives. The smoke comes from burning certain herbs, not tobacco (ok, some people just smoke a pipe) I find this smells similar to what I get from Connemara.
Connemara is awesome, I used to make sure to have a bottle on hand but then I couldn't find it for a while. It's what I'd pour for people who said they were interested in some peat, but not overwhelming or briney peat like most Islays. The light / sweet combo was always a winner.
I go to the Connemara region every year and it’s full of incredible rural beauty. It also produces a huge amount of peat (that’s why the whiskey’s named after it) as the soil is very poor and acidic. I’d really recommend visiting, and to bring a bottle of its namesake 🥃
I am Irish and I developed a love for whiskey on the back of your channel a year or two ago. I am loving the recent Irish whiskey reviews - keep it up man! Edit -also FYI Galway is pronounced Gall-way (the al as in 'all')
Great video Bill! Now I usually get fresh crisp Apple and pear. Never really got cherry before. If you like this one try the 12. Is this turned up! With a ticket sweet not just a sugar sweet. A much better expression! And if you really want an experience try the Turf Mor it is their heavily peated version! Sure note, this was actually the whiskey I shared with my best meet on my wedding.... It will always have a place in my cabinet!
Dear Bill...... One small request I like the cork's popping sound. So, request you record the popping sound and then pour the drink into the glass while making a video. AND Keep up the good work of reviewing more and more different types of whisk(e)ys. ☺️👌👍
I picked up the Connemara 12 year old at the Dublin duty free back in April of 2017. Hands down one of my favorites. It’s been a slow sipper for me. I’m glad to still have a little bit less than half of the bottle remaining. 🤙🏽 But I have yet to try this version that you just reviewed.
Cheers for the review Bill, was impressed when I had this on on a night out a while back, so glad the doorman dragged me back to the bar as I'd to a general look at the selection of whiskies which needed a closer look to get past the generic bottles, even more impressed a few weeks later when they had Amerut Fusion
September 26, 2020 - I’m about to review this so I’m comparing notes. There is the Danville Peated Blended Irish Whiskey, so Connemara is the only (well, technically not) Irish Peated Single Malt... that’s widely available and known about to the general public. There are some others but the production is so small you’ll never hear about them let alone see them available. But that is about to change!
I bought this two weeks ago. Yes, the first smell and taste made me recall to Ardbeg, not that strong, but same style. I think some time I could even detect the soap when I taste Ardbeg but not this Connemara. The interesting thing is this Irish one contains a little bit flavor of green apple which I used to detect from Hakushu. For me, the Connemara is like a special girl, sweet, wild, young and fresh. Worth to try.
I have to agree with your other commenters.....................LOVED the intro on this video. I'll be looking for some Connemara next time I'm at the store. Cheers!
Great reviews, videos and opinions, sláinte. I think there is one other Irish peated and that's Dunville's three crowns peated, I know nothing about it so I could be wrong☘🇮🇪
4 or 5 years ago you would have been right it was the only peated Irish whiskey on the market however now there is a couple of others. Dunville's three crowns peated (like Connemara is gorgeous by the way) West Cork Distillery Glengarriff Series has a peated whiskey as well, The new whiskey Hinch has a peated whiskey and Michael Collins whiskey is lightly peated. On the more expensive side, The Chosen by JJ Corey is peated however a bottle is going for €7000 so I won't be trying it anytime soon lol. The Middleton distillery is about to put on auction a series of peated whiskeys that are supposedly going to be the most expensive Irish Whiskeys ever sold.
They have a cask strength version for about $60. It's been on my list since forever, I'd just have to drive for it. Just haven't been able to bring myself to drop the $45 on the original version because of its low proof.
Can you mail a bottle of whiskey through USPS, Fed Ex, or UPS? Because I bought my friend a nice bottle of whiskey but totally forgot he lives out of state & idk how to get it to him, Can I mail it to him, cause he lives in Georgia & I'm in TN. Is their a certain way you have to send it? Do you declare it, or send it special? I assume he would have to sign for it to prove his age.. If so can I use fed ex, ups, or USPS? Or is all of these illegal? Or is it legal to send it like anything else as long as hes an adult?
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary I will do for sure later tomm! Hey I think a great video idea would be to make a review video where you only review whiskey that comes in plastic bottles with plastic screw caps under $20?!? Lol lot of beginners are afraid to buy nicer stuff at first until they get hooked, which they usually have to get hooked on a cheaper whiskey for their first few bottles, not everyone gets to start out with a 10yr BIB single barrel! Lol jk unless your me who found some Bower Hill 10yr BIB Single Barrel that retails for $75 per 750ml but is on sale for only $16 LOL I've only bought 2 other bottles before this one, Buffalo Trace and a Henry mckenna but I have never even tried something like this that's so aged, a BIB and single barrel all in one, but I had to buy all 6 bottles they had! Even if I dont like it which im sure I will... I can always give them out as a rlly good gift that will look way better and way more expensive than what they actually were lol but getting 6 750ml bottles of a 10yr single barrel BIB for only $96... lol
I was thinking the same thing. Danville is a Peated Blended Irish Whiskey, so Connemara is the only (well, technically not) Irish Peated Single Malt... that’s widely available and known about to the general public. There are some others but the production is so small you’ll never hear about them let alone see them available. But that is about to change!
Just bought it $44 here in Central Maine. I'm a complete Rye and Bourbon hound so this is extreme for me. I love the smoke taste overall but the nosing makes me a little nauseas. It reminds me of a cross between Church wine and Pinot Grigio on the nose.
Is Jameson a good baseline for irish whiskey in the same way that Ancient Age is for bourbon? I just tried Jameson and found it all but undrinkable. It it worth trying other Irish whiskeys?
About that flowery-smoky nose: I am a beekeeper. We use smoke to calm the bees when we open the hives. The smoke comes from burning certain herbs, not tobacco (ok, some people just smoke a pipe) I find this smells similar to what I get from Connemara.
This is a smokey whiskey unlike any other... I'm in the same camp as you. I like it a lot!
Connemara is awesome, I used to make sure to have a bottle on hand but then I couldn't find it for a while. It's what I'd pour for people who said they were interested in some peat, but not overwhelming or briney peat like most Islays. The light / sweet combo was always a winner.
I completely agree!
I go to the Connemara region every year and it’s full of incredible rural beauty. It also produces a huge amount of peat (that’s why the whiskey’s named after it) as the soil is very poor and acidic. I’d really recommend visiting, and to bring a bottle of its namesake 🥃
I am Irish and I developed a love for whiskey on the back of your channel a year or two ago.
I am loving the recent Irish whiskey reviews - keep it up man!
Edit -also FYI Galway is pronounced Gall-way (the al as in 'all')
Damn it! I try so hard to nail pronunciation. I'm fighting a Boston accent as well. Thanks for the tip though :)
No worries :) absolutely love your channel and your passion! Please keep doing what you're doing!
Great video Bill!
Now I usually get fresh crisp Apple and pear. Never really got cherry before. If you like this one try the 12. Is this turned up! With a ticket sweet not just a sugar sweet. A much better expression! And if you really want an experience try the Turf Mor it is their heavily peated version!
Sure note, this was actually the whiskey I shared with my best meet on my wedding.... It will always have a place in my cabinet!
Dear Bill...... One small request
I like the cork's popping sound.
So, request you record the popping sound and then pour the drink into the glass while making a video.
AND
Keep up the good work of reviewing more and more different types of whisk(e)ys.
☺️👌👍
You got it!!!
Connemara is a favorite of mine too. It's often the whiskey I grab to pour as a safe introduction to peat. 🖖😎🥃🍀
give me laphroig qc.
I picked up the Connemara 12 year old at the Dublin duty free back in April of 2017.
Hands down one of my favorites. It’s been a slow sipper for me. I’m glad to still have a little bit less than half of the bottle remaining. 🤙🏽
But I have yet to try this version that you just reviewed.
I haven't tried the 12 yet so it's hard to speak about it. I'm excited to try it!
The Whiskey Dic I’ll be tuned in for when you do!
Cheers for the review Bill, was impressed when I had this on on a night out a while back, so glad the doorman dragged me back to the bar as I'd to a general look at the selection of whiskies which needed a closer look to get past the generic bottles, even more impressed a few weeks later when they had Amerut Fusion
Sounds like a couple awesome weeks!
September 26, 2020 - I’m about to review this so I’m comparing notes. There is the Danville Peated Blended Irish Whiskey, so Connemara is the only (well, technically not) Irish Peated Single Malt... that’s widely available and known about to the general public. There are some others but the production is so small you’ll never hear about them let alone see them available. But that is about to change!
Awesome review as usual!!! I laughed so hard at the beginning😂😂😂. I tried the green spot and liked it. This is next thank you so much!!!
I'm glad you liked it. I've been having a bit more fun with the intros lately :)
I bought this two weeks ago. Yes, the first smell and taste made me recall to Ardbeg, not that strong, but same style. I think some time I could even detect the soap when I taste Ardbeg but not this Connemara. The interesting thing is this Irish one contains a little bit flavor of green apple which I used to detect from Hakushu. For me, the Connemara is like a special girl, sweet, wild, young and fresh. Worth to try.
I have to agree with your other commenters.....................LOVED the intro on this video. I'll be looking for some Connemara next time I'm at the store. Cheers!
Thanks Bill!
Not the only peated Irish, there are a few now. Not sure about at this time of review. Teeling blackpitts is one from the big guys.
Great reviews, videos and opinions, sláinte. I think there is one other Irish peated and that's Dunville's three crowns peated, I know nothing about it so I could be wrong☘🇮🇪
I'll have to look into it
Three Crown is a Irish blend of single grain, 10 year single malt, a 15 sherry finish and married together in a peated cast.
4 or 5 years ago you would have been right it was the only peated Irish whiskey on the market however now there is a couple of others. Dunville's three crowns peated (like Connemara is gorgeous by the way) West Cork Distillery Glengarriff Series has a peated whiskey as well, The new whiskey Hinch has a peated whiskey and Michael Collins whiskey is lightly peated. On the more expensive side, The Chosen by JJ Corey is peated however a bottle is going for €7000 so I won't be trying it anytime soon lol. The Middleton distillery is about to put on auction a series of peated whiskeys that are supposedly going to be the most expensive Irish Whiskeys ever sold.
Just started with drinking whisky and love your channel 😃
I will definitely keep my eyes open for this, based on your words!
They have a cask strength version for about $60. It's been on my list since forever, I'd just have to drive for it. Just haven't been able to bring myself to drop the $45 on the original version because of its low proof.
The low proof isnt a huge deal for me on this one because the peat gives it a great flavor
Review Powers John's Lane 12Y, Bill! I think am going to try that one.
I can only do so many! Some folks told me to do that but I think red breast and red breast 12 will be better°
Can you mail a bottle of whiskey through USPS, Fed Ex, or UPS? Because I bought my friend a nice bottle of whiskey but totally forgot he lives out of state & idk how to get it to him, Can I mail it to him, cause he lives in Georgia & I'm in TN. Is their a certain way you have to send it? Do you declare it, or send it special? I assume he would have to sign for it to prove his age.. If so can I use fed ex, ups, or USPS? Or is all of these illegal? Or is it legal to send it like anything else as long as hes an adult?
Come join the discord... we will tell you all about it. Link in the description
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary I will do for sure later tomm! Hey I think a great video idea would be to make a review video where you only review whiskey that comes in plastic bottles with plastic screw caps under $20?!? Lol lot of beginners are afraid to buy nicer stuff at first until they get hooked, which they usually have to get hooked on a cheaper whiskey for their first few bottles, not everyone gets to start out with a 10yr BIB single barrel! Lol jk unless your me who found some Bower Hill 10yr BIB Single Barrel that retails for $75 per 750ml but is on sale for only $16 LOL I've only bought 2 other bottles before this one, Buffalo Trace and a Henry mckenna but I have never even tried something like this that's so aged, a BIB and single barrel all in one, but I had to buy all 6 bottles they had! Even if I dont like it which im sure I will... I can always give them out as a rlly good gift that will look way better and way more expensive than what they actually were lol but getting 6 750ml bottles of a 10yr single barrel BIB for only $96... lol
Is it really an Irish whiskey if its double distilled and not triple distilled?
What about Dunville's Three Crowns Peated?
I was thinking the same thing. Danville is a Peated Blended Irish Whiskey, so Connemara is the only (well, technically not) Irish Peated Single Malt... that’s widely available and known about to the general public. There are some others but the production is so small you’ll never hear about them let alone see them available. But that is about to change!
For a Scotch Jura is quite similar in my Opinion.
Oddly enough i don't like Jura but i like Connemara...
Jura is one I've liked and disliked depending on when I drink it. This Connemara is much better imo!
Just bought it $44 here in Central Maine. I'm a complete Rye and Bourbon hound so this is extreme for me. I love the smoke taste overall but the nosing makes me a little nauseas. It reminds me of a cross between Church wine and Pinot Grigio on the nose.
I stopped going to church before I was able to try church wine. Idea always seemed gross to me lol. What type of wine do they use, do you know?
Love it when I can find it.
Sounds nice Bill 🥃
I love it. My favourite sipping whiskey.
It's not the only peated single malt irish whisky, try the Ballechin 10 :)
Best intro lol
Thanks :)
Green Spot, Kilbeggan and now Connemara, Seriously are you reviewing my collection 😂😂
Maaaaaaybe
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary So that's why my supply is running low, need to stock up
Is Jameson a good baseline for irish whiskey in the same way that Ancient Age is for bourbon? I just tried Jameson and found it all but undrinkable. It it worth trying other Irish whiskeys?
Its irish whiskey the way that Budweiser is beer. Generally acceptable by all. But when you get into craft beers it gets amazing. Same with whiskies
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Thanks for getting back to me. Maybe Ill pick up Green Spot here in a few weeks. Gotta get the Bookers 20-1 release first.
Review "writer's tears"
I hope to!
What he said ^^^^^
Such a damn good dram 🤤🥃
really disapointed with connemara love irish whiskey but this was a let down.
I'm surprised. The No aged statement I really liked... the 12 was a bore
Connamara is overrated