By
George Brozowski
What
do Irish Whiskey and politics have in common? Why
of course, one makes the other more palatable. The more Whiskey
you drink the more palatable politics becomes. The Irish need
to drink more than most because they have 11 political parties
while we only have 2 main parties with a few fringe ones thrown
in for fun and confusion.
Overall,
the Irish are 4th in the world in pure alcohol consumption
beaten out only by the Czech Republic, Andorra and Estonia.
The United States is 43rd on that very same list. I just might
consider moving to Ireland as I think I would fit right in
with those good Irish folks. Besides, I just love that Irish
brogue those sassy lassies speak.
Hey,
speaking of politics, the politics in the good old US of A
are certainly heating up enough lately to make me want to
drink every time a political ad comes on the television which
is about every 4 minutes. With all the mudslinging and truth
bending both parties are engaging in, I have gotten to the
point where I just might appreciate 8 or 9 more parties throwing
their hats into the ring to really shake and stir things up.
Speaking
of shaking and stirring things up, let's get down to business.
This Kilbeggan is a blend of Cooley's Greenore,
a single grain whiskey and Tyrconnel, the company's signature
malt whiskey. And all this distilling and shaking and stirring
goes on at the Old Kilbeggan Distillery formerly Locke's Distillery
which is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world,
dating back to 1757. Kilbeggan is finished off and aged in
used bourbon barrels.
Straight
up, the nose is grassy, woody, has bourbon notes, a touch
of oak char and a hint of sweet honey. It smells nice and
smooth with little alcohol interfering. A straight shot hits
the palate with smoke, oak and malt backed by a low layer
of smoky sweetness that just lays there pleasantly making
nice with the mouth but eventually, upon swallowing, turns
spicy and tingly. The finish picks up the spice note and amps
up the volume to Dolby standards that make sure you just can't
miss it. Just as suddenly as it appears that spice note disappears
within a short finish that leaves a pleasant warmth.
On
the rocks this Whiskey loosens up, undoes its tie, unbuttons
the top button of its shirt, takes the jacket off and rolls
up its sleeves and relaxes. The nose becomes laid back and
inviting just like a cool swimming pool on a hot summer's
afternoon. But it doesn't want you to just run and jump in;
it invites you to dangle your feet then lower yourself to
your thighs and then finally slowly lower yourself up to your
chin and just grin. The nose's aromas are all still there
but nicely muddled together with each complimenting the other.
On the palate it becomes thick and oily and simply belongs
in your mouth. Again all the flavors are present but civilized
and restrained and muted and that much more enjoyable. The
finish is smooth and warm and wavers between all of its flavor
attributes like a chameleon that just can't make up its mind
as to which color it wants to become next.
This
is a nice Whiskey, not a complex Whiskey, not a snooty Whiskey
but a very nice Whiskey that can be enjoyed more often than
not as it only costs $17-$20 per bottle. There are better
Whiskeys for drinking straight up but none better for drinking
on the rocks or with a bit of branch water. I do believe I'll
have another and then watch a political documentary!!!!
For
more Rants & Raves click
here.
www.kilbegganwhiskey.com/
