This particular expression (around €150) is a release from their Very Rare range, and is a wonderful example of how good their malt can be. The nose is saccharine sweet with a warming hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate, fruitier flavours come out, with lots of raisins and apricots appearing. It is packed with sweet flavours and plenty of deep oak tones as well.
This is Dingle's first proper Whiskey release and is certainly something to behold. It opens with a nose full of peppery spices and soft fruits. Apples and pears are especially present. The palate is full of sweet chocolate notes and a lovely caramel undertone, which eventually develops into toasted oak wood.
3. Writers’ Tears Cask Strength 2017
This expression (priced at around €125) is full of rich fruit flavours and lovely sweet tones. It begins with lots of chocolate and oak notes, which turn into spicy caramel and boiled sweets on the palate. More exotic fruits such as mango and banana are also present, giving it real depth and sophistication.
The nose is brimming with oak wood and caramel notes. The palate allows these to become fully formed, where they develop into rich vanilla and cinnamon, with a lovely toasted warmth to them. This is an exceptional malt that will certainly give Diageo a good foothold in the market.
It is packed with sweet citrus fruits and dark chocolate from the get-go. The palate is well rounded and has lots of malted notes coming through. The chocolate and the malt go especially well together. There is more citrussy tang on the palate, and it finishes with a bite of fresh green apple.
Each bottling is an exploration of grain and cask, with combinations such as Single Grain matured in Virgin Spanish Oak, Single Malt in French Limousin Oak and the Single Pot Still in Chestnut casks. These are some truly interesting partnerships and its safe to say they were all remarkably successful.