1. Home
  2. Knappogue Castle
  3. Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old
Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old

Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old

(0.75l, 40%)


7.8/10
OUT OF STOCK

Get notified when the item comes back in stock.

Knappogue Castle is about unadulterated commitment to quality.   
 
The Knappogue Castle is a real castle built by the Irish clan MacNamara in the 15th century after the Norman Wars. It was left to ruins until 1966, when Mark Edwin Andrews — the former Assistant Secretary of the US Navy — purchased it and began restoring this landmark of Irish culture. Mr. Andrews also happened to be a true Irish Whiskey devotee and started stocking-up his cellars with all the best casks of aging Irish Whiskey. He waited for the Whiskeys to reach the pinnacle of maturation and then bottled it under the name of his beloved The Knappogue Castle.
 
Later his son, Mark, decided to issue releases of his father’s passion to the world, beginning with the Knappogue Castle Vintage 1951, which has become one of the most rare and prized Whiskeys in the World — bar none — and bringing international recognition. Today the passion continues and the castle cellars are serving their higher purpose — continually aging some of the finest independent Irish Whiskey on Earth … just as Mr. Andrews had imagined. 
 
There is something special about 12 YO single malt Whiskey. It’s like a premium steakhouse that dry-ages their Wagyu Ribeye for six weeks. We humans experiment over generations and hit a formula that just works. It is no coincidence that so many premium Whiskey brands issue a dram of that age. When it comes to Single Malt Whiskey and oak, 12 is the magic number. 
 
The good folks at Knappogue Castle are famous for doing everything well. It begins with the malt and distillate. But it is the unadulterated commitment to quality aging that makes this little Irish gem feel special. Knappogue Castle 12 YO has sat in the castle “dungeon” for 12 years, undisturbed in charred ex-Bourbon casks. Boom … done … no spin here … that’s it then … Bob’s your uncle, so pour me a dram.
  • Category
    Irish Whiskey
  • Style
    Single Malt Irish Whiskey
  • Region
    Ireland
  • Country
    Ireland
  • Alcohol
    40%
  • Distillery
    Northern Ireland Distillery
  • Age
    12 Year Old
  • Maturation
    Charred oak Bourbon casks

Flavor Spiral™

About The Flavor Spiral

Close
honey
biscuit
spicy
almonds
fruit
dry
sweet
oak
toasted
What does Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old taste like?

The Flavor Spiral™ shows the most common flavors that you'll taste in Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old and gives you a chance to have a taste of it before actually tasting it.

We invented Flavor Spiral™ here at Flaviar to get all your senses involved in tasting drinks and, frankly, because we think that classic tasting notes are boring.
Dog Dogson
Dog Dogson's
Smartass
Corner
Poteen is a Whiskey made from potatoes, in other words, it's Irish Vodka.

Tasting Notes
Appearance / Color
Toasted straw.

Nose / Aroma / Smell
Biscuits and honey with allspice.

Flavor / Taste / Palate
Balanced, tight and dry, and with a granola-like hint of honey, dried fruits, and almonds.

Finish
Smooth, spicy, and lightly sweet.

More drinks we think you'll like

Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey
Proper No. Twelve
Irish Whiskey
Irish Whiskey
7.3/10
$24.99
Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Jack Ryan
Beggars Bush 12 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Irish Whiskey
7.6/10
$63.99
Connemara Peated
Connemara
Peated
Irish Whiskey
6.5/10
$43.99
Available With Engraving
Writers Tears Copper Pot
Writers Tears
Copper Pot
Irish Whiskey
7.5/10
$42.99
The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Madeira Cask Finish
The Tyrconnell
10 Year Old Madeira Cask Finish
Irish Whiskey
8.2/10
$64.99
Bushmills 16 Year Old
Bushmills
16 Year Old
Irish Whiskey
8/10
$129.99
Ratings & Reviews
Member Reviews and Ratings of Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old
Josh
Josh,
Very good and much smoother than I expected. I’d buy this again.
 
Jarod
Jarod,
A little rough around the edges... Good flavour but not very smooth and a bit spicier than expected
 
Lori
Lori,
Mild. Smooth. Could be a bar staple go-to.
 
Shane
Shane,
For the price it's great. A splash of lime juice shaken on the rocks is a wonderfully refreshing summer drink
 
Timothy
Timothy,
Nice, smooth single malt. I’m new to single malt Irish whiskey, so I wasn’t sure what to expect but the 12 is quite good. I’ll still lean towards blended Irish whiskey for now but this is making me think twice.
 
Stephane
Stephane,
Clean and smooth. Has a very nice finish. Very quickly became one of my favorites!
 
Kathy
Kathy,
It was not as smooth as I had expected. There is quite a peppery finish to it.
 
Hannah
Hannah,
Incredibly smooth! Beautiful vapors!
 
Karthik
Karthik,
Funky and brilliant
 
Donald
Donald,
Very smooth, very little aftertaste. Love the softness.
 
Rob
Rob,
Smooth, complex. Much better than expected. Will definitely get more ordered up for myself and friends.
 
Jordan
Jordan,
Very sweet and nutty, not the biggest fan of the aftertaste
 
Robert
Robert,
I rather enjoyed this whiskey. It has a bit of a multiple personality, it burns, then has a curiously refreshing flavor, only to burn for the remainder of the trip. This refreshing flavor reminds me of a cool breeze off the ocean on a warm day at the beach. That was the sentiment I had every time I too a drink. I liked it and will experience it again, for sure.
 
Glen
Glen,
Very good
 
Jeramey
Jeramey,
Light, not too hot. Easy to drink, and similar to My general local selection. If you have friends getting into scotch, they would enjoy this. If you’re used to ‘more’ from a bottle, keep looking. And yes, I would buy it again.
 
William
William,
Took me a couple of tries to like this one, but it grows on you rapidly. Very smooth, complex finish, excellent when enjoyed "neat." I'll be ordering this one again.
 
Joshua
Joshua,
Great, smooth and delicious
 
Harlan
Harlan,
I like this whiskey its aftertaste is very nice. The honey and fruit are evident. I like the smooth taste.
 
john
john,
Fabulous, very smooth. Great from the first taste.
 
Rocco
Rocco,
I was surprised by the excellent aftertaste of this whiskey.
 
Doug
Doug,
Very smooth sipping
 
Dustin
Dustin,
Not your typical Irish Whiskey. This is very smooth neat. If you let it sit for a minute to air out even better.
 
Leland
Leland,
Very smooth and light. Enjoyed it.
 
John
John,
Good, better straight than neat or with ice.
 
Dean
Dean,
A very pleasantly complex Irish whiskey. I have always been high on Red Breast, but this tops it in my book.
 
Sergio
Sergio,
It is a smooth whiskey. It is lightly sweat. That's a plus for me. I don't like sweat whiskey. When I added a little water the fruit and the honey smell burst out. Has a light spice towards the end but nothing with a bit. I enjoy it.
 
Casey
Casey,
Rich, smooth, biscuit, slight honey, spice.
 
Jared
Jared,
First dram was very medicinal on the nose, but suprisingly sweet and smooth at first sip. I was waiting for a bite, that never came, as it finished with a whisp of vanilla. The medicinal aroma lessens after some time to breath, and a couple of drops of water.
 
Steven
Steven,
Wow! Biscuit and honey flavor and aroma were beautifully balanced with a long, smooth finish. Will definitely become a staple in my bar.
 
Matt
Matt,
Delicious, surprisingly complex Irish whiskey that's a joy to sip from start to finish. The nose is light with hints of tropical fruits. After a few sips, the palate also reflects the strong tropical notes of pineapple and peach, followed by a great vanilla finish that lingers. Definitely benefits from a light splash of water. Highly recommend, especially for the price.
 
Robert
Robert,
Great Whiskey!!! Surprised me.
 
Piotr
Piotr,
Smooth and delicate, but also powerful. Nice honey and almonds accents. Dangerously good.
 
Leroy
Leroy,
This was surprisingly smooth and delicious! Glad I got this bottle for sure! I’d get another! Or two...
 
Josh
Josh,
Excellent mid-level Irish Whiskey, much smoother than I expected.
 
Lance
Lance,
Flavor of this wasn’t for me. A smooth drink but flavor profile not to my taste.
 
Frank
Frank,
Nice, bold flavor, but without the overpowering bite that some Irish whisky's have. I tasted more hints of oak and caramel than I did fruit. Overall, a decent whisky.
 
Bharat
Bharat,
Very smooth! Like it!
 
Ira
Ira,
Very smooth and dangerously easy to drink
 
Marcus
Marcus,
Smooth taste with a little bite on the finish. Great straight up or in Irish Coffee!!
 
Aimee
Aimee,
Loved the honey and spice notes
 
Joshua
Joshua,
Strong Carmel taste, cloudy coloring. Overall an okay bottle.
 
Daniel
Daniel,
Very smooth with just a bite at the end. One of the best I've had for the price
 
Josh
Josh,
Great whiskey and pleasantly complex for a 12 year. Great citrus flavors mixed with a nice spiciness and some surprising shortbread and banana flavor notes.
 
Dean
Dean,
I do not have a refined palette however I get a little bit fruit, spicy, and a hint of vanilla. The after taste is the honey (dark or regular my palette can’t tell, same for the rest of the stuff). All I know is it’s a nice drink neat or with an ice cube.
 
Steve
Steve,
Just okay.
 
Seth
Seth,
Super smooth with a great balance of spices.
 
Mitch
Mitch,
Really pleasant scotch.
 
Kurt
Kurt,
Great bottle. Very smooth. Sweet but not one note. Nice complexity. I'd put this in the home bar any day.
 
Kristy
Kristy,
Very good Irish whisky. Taken straight is good, a dash of water is even better. Ice is a bit too much, dilutes the flavor.
 
Eric
Eric,
Smooth with great flavor all the way through the finish. Best Irish Whiskey I've had. I look forward to trying the 14, 16, and 21 years from Knappogue as well.
 
Amie
Amie,
i like the distinct fruity flavor that lingers.
 
Jenni
Jenni,
Decently smooth, but nothing special to jump off the shelf for.
 
William
William,
Somewhat bolder than most Irish whiskeys I’ve had - seems weightier, more complex.
 
Teri
Teri,
Not my favorite. The finish is nice. But it had a medicine-like taste. Prefer a sweeter, fuller flavor
 
Christopher
Christopher,
Great flavor and smoothness from the first sip. Mellow with a wonderful whiskey finish on the upper pallet.
 
Scott
Scott,
Very smooth and clean. Pleasant, lingering finish.
 
Jonah
Jonah,
Very light and delicate. I thoroughly enjoy this bottle.
 
John
John,
Nice, easy-sipping Irish Whiskey.
 
Jeffrey
Jeffrey,
Smooth, easy to drink. If you like fruity flavors it’s great. Those fruit favors are a bit overwhelming at times, but it doesn’t make it suck. This feels like a whiskey you’d keep around for people who don’t like whiskey.
 
Kirk
Kirk,
Subtle easy drinking nice on a warm evening
 
Martin
Martin,
Good flavor. Strong Taste.
 
Philip
Philip,
Slightly let down by this spirit. I really enjoy the Irish single malts, but this one lacked a lot of the flavors and characteristics that I’ve come to expect when drinking neat. Water opened it up, but not enough for my personal palette. Still an ok drink
 
Richelle
Richelle,
Complex but can definitely pick out all of the flavors!
 
Ryan
Ryan,
Very smooth with a great odor
 
Carson
Carson,
Sweet Irish Whiskey. Really enjoyed this one neat.
 
Zane
Zane,
The flavor spiral here is spot-on. Biscuits, honey, and dried fruits with warm and lingering finish. Outstanding!
 
Mahyad
Mahyad,
Smooth and easy to drink. Great starter Scotch
 
Jennifer
Jennifer,
My first Flaviar purchase, and a good one to start with. Smooth, easy to drink, a good nightcap.
 
Lisa
Lisa,
I am traditionally a neat whisky drinker. It is a rare thing for me to add water/ice to my stash. I had read that a splash of water can make this whisky too fruity and sweet. However, I find that breaking my habit of "neatness" is the best thing I can do for Knappague Castle. It truly opens this dram up and brings out a world of flavor. A splash mellows the heat, which can be a bit overbearing at first since the heat seems to be the first flavor I pick up in the spiral. I get more of a flower-fruit flavor with a touch of water. A really good bottle. I give it a 7. Would certainly buy another in the future.
 
Nicholas
Nicholas,
Very smooth, Really enjoyed this I’m glad it was recommended to me!
 
Jamison
Jamison,
Its a solid whiskey, I would classify it as a beginners entry to whiskey. Thinner than I would prefer, smooth with a little harshness on the follow through.
 
Grigorii
Grigorii,
Not bad, but worser than expected; it resembles Bushmills and Glenmorangie; it's too honey and sweet for me; but maybe for someone it worth of buying
 
Anthony
Anthony,
Slightly on the peaty side for my taste, harsh on the first sip but smooths out with a nice finish
 
Scott
Scott,
One of, if the best Whiskey I’ve ever tasted. Only reason I’m not giving it 10, is I’ve not had enough m, plus no one’s perfect.
 
Christopher
Christopher,
Very smooth finish and delicious all around.
 
Forrest
Forrest,
Sweet and spicy with woody undertones.
 
Misha
Misha,
I really love this bottle. Such a smooth finish.
 
Robert
Robert,
Good whiskey overall
 
Tyler
Tyler,
Mild smoke, but still very smooth and drinkable. Strong value for a whiskey this good.
 
Lucas
Lucas,
Very smooth and drinkable. Excellent bottle
 
vince
vince,
Nice smooth whiskey.
 
Chris
Chris,
This Whiskey is a wonderful value. I rate it as good as some whiskeys costing 50% more.
 
Daniel
Daniel,
Spicy honey with fruit notes. Mild smoke in there too. Smooth
 
Ken
Ken,
Very smooth. Excellent taste. Just a bit of a bite, but not unpleasant. My first Irish whiskey. Definitely want to try more.
 
Bill
Bill,
A wonderfully smooth simple whiskey that delights your tastes. One drop of water releases the flavors. Tried straight then with one drop of water to release the hidden flavors.
 
GEORGE
GEORGE,
Excellent mix of oak and fruit. I really enjoyed the 12 year and look forward to trying some of the older bottles. This is my go-to Irish whiskey. Great value for the price
 
guest
guest,
Pineapple nose
 
Benjamin
Benjamin,
For the money this stuff is magic. If you're classically a bourbon drinker this is the perfect cross the Atlantic whisky. Upfront flavor with a strong finish. One of my favorites. It's not terribly complex, but it's straightforward and well executed. The perfect go to.
 
Paige
Paige,
This is a truly delicious single malt Irish Whisky that’s been aged in ex-bourbon barrels. If you are looking for a more full bodied Irish pour with a bit of oak and heat, grab a bottle of this 12 Year!
 
Anthony
Anthony,
Absolutely delectable flavour profile. The oakiness is refreshing and slightly sweet, but there are many other delicate flavors and aromas to this one. I used a single ice cube rather than water and it really opened this one up.
 
Zachary
Zachary,
Oaky finish. Smooth and lightly sweet. Delicious.
 
Alex
Alex,
A wonderful Irish whisky. The honey and the spice are the most prominent in the flavor and you enjoy it all the more for it! A must try!
 
Nelo
Nelo,
Fantastic finish. Shared some with my friend who isn't a whiskey fan. they loved it too due to the straightforward tastes to it.
 
Jason
Jason,
Wonderful nose with a great finish.
 
Justin
Justin,
If you like Jameson and are looking to branch out towards the single malt Irish whiskeys, then this is a great choice. It's affordable, smooth, and just sweet enough to stand out among some of the traditional Irish whiskeys.
 
guest
guest,
Pretty good
 
Samuel
Samuel,
Good Irish, hints of pear, flavors come one at a time
 
Evan
Evan,
Tasted in a flight of four Irish Whiskeys. All I got on the nose was honey and I was surprised at the complexity of this when I took my first sip. There are some darker notes (probably the oak and almond) that really lasted on my palate. I might pick up a bottle of this down the road!
 
Michael
Michael,
Very nice. Big floral notes, good finish. It’s Scotch like with out the smoke.
 
Brian
Brian,
Spicy neat, sweeter on ice. A fair dram for the price.
 
Ryan
Ryan,
Wow. Drinks easy with sweetness and fruit.
 
Wesley
Wesley,
Midle what? What spot? You’ll be asking the same questions after tasting this. Do not pass it up.
 
Brandon
Brandon,
Very smooth. Great flavors and no burn. Very soothing. Loved it and not expensive.
 
Robert
Robert,
Very smooth and tasty. I'd buy it again.
 
Stephen
Stephen,
Not normally a fan of Irish Whiskey, bought this on a whim. Knocked my socks off. Can be enjoyed neat. Ordering again!
 
Hugh
Hugh,
Really good Irish Whiskey, smooth and flavorful.
 
Shawn
Shawn,
I love it, my wife loves it this bottle is very smooth and easy on the pallet
 
CJ
CJ,
Smooth with a sweet start moving to fruity in the middle. Very smooth and easy to enjoy.
 
James
James,
It was really tasty, not too strong.
 
Pamula
Pamula,
Smooth taste. Not overpowering. Hint of sweetness and no after taste or burn. Excellent whiskey and would recommend to everyone.
 
Ivan
Ivan,
One of the smoothest Irish whiskies I’ve ever had.
 
Chuck
Chuck,
The taste is a bit strong to me with very little subtlety. Fine with a splash of water.
 
GREGORY
GREGORY,
Smooth!
 
James
James,
I liked this a lot, as did my wife. it was very smooth with a great finish. Certainly beats Jameson.
 
Antti
Antti,
I was able to enjoy a bottle of Single Barrel Select 2016: which had a delicate birth, a fruit filled life & a spicy oak death. While a bottle of Single Barrel Select 2017 had a creamy birth, with a peach filled life & a spicy oak death.
 
Jacob
Jacob,
A wonderful tasting Irish Whiskey. Smooth and slightly sweet, while still retaining a delightfully warm and smoky presence. Me and my dad picked up a bottle for a fishing trip, and I would suggest it is best paired with a clear Rocky Mountain starlit night and a roaring fire.
 
Christopher
Christopher,
Nice and smooth. Somewhat fruity. My stepdaughter loves Jamesons and says this beats that, hands down.
 
Matt
Matt,
Was hoping for more from a twelve year old but still a nice pour
 
Randy
Randy,
Excellent! Needed a touch of water to unlock all the flavors, of which there are many
 
Levi
Levi,
Very smooth will buy again.
 
Jon
Jon,
Hint of sweet fruit. Light burn lingers after the swig(smoothly). Bit perfume aroma. I dig
 
Pierce
Pierce,
Bright and a little fruity, not much caramel notes or smoke to it. Goes down smooth, very little burn.
 
Tony
Tony,
Boring
 
guest
guest,
This is the best smoothest whisky yet that I have tried.
 
Robert
Robert,
Good
 
Ryan
Ryan,
Should be a standard at every good Irishmen's bar!
 
Greg
Greg,
Nice drink. Also appreciate good service and delivery.
 
Jason
Jason,
nice and smooth
 
pedro
pedro,
Great taste, specially for its price. Smooth and sweet, very light. A perfect drink for any night.
 
Jason
Jason,
Very clean. Definitely triple distilled. Malt and citrus on the nose. Very clean on the palate with a short earthy finish. Exceptionally smooth with little to no bite, but a little dull/flat as such. I could drink a ton of it it's so smooth, but i'd never quite be satisfied on a complexity of taste level. Underwhelming, but a good effort worth a dram!
 
Load more reviews
Back Back
A Dram for Your Thoughts
You need to be logged in to leave a review.
Your Rating
Review
Cancel