This single malt Irish whiskey is the core release from Dingle Distillery, located in County Kerry. This is the first permanent core whiskey product from Dingle, which launched in 2021. Dingle Distillery is one of a few Irish distilleries to produce a core single malt product made entirely with its own spirit.
It is a marriage of malt whiskey that has been matured in first fill ex-Bourbon, and PX sherry casks in the ratio of 39% Bourbon to 61% PX Sherry. No age statement is given for this single malt whiskey but at this time it comprises mainly six to seven years old spirit. It is bottled at 46.3% ABV and non-chill filtered. You can buy a bottle direct from the distillery via shop.dingledistillery.ie or spirits retailers in selected markets for around £50-55.
Dingle distillery was founded in 2012 and first released a small batch single malt back in 2016. Since then much of what you will be able to find from Dingle is small batch releases of single malt, which utilise various cask maturation and finishes. The distillation process for Dingle is remarkably hands-on compared to larger distilleries (mainly thanks to its current intention to focus on small batches) with the full process being completed by hand, including the spirit cuts.
Located on the edge of the waters of Dingle Harbour, the distillery is at the very southern end of Ireland on the westerly tip. There is not much between it and the Atlantic coast, hence Dingle uses the phrase ‘Hand-cut from the Edge’ as a key part of its marketing. Heading directly west, there is nothing between it and the coast of Newfoundland, Canada.
Our Tasting Notes
Deep gold in colour, Dingle Single Malt is rich and fruity on the nose. There are aromas of plump sultanas and stewed prunes which are richly fruity. Dark chocolate and fresh walnuts create a sweet but earthy sensation, with manuka honey – this is savoury in character. A dash of fresh zesty citrus brings a hint of vibrancy.
On the palate this whiskey is bold and syrupy, with both a robust and a delicate range of flavours to bring balance. There are plenty of deep fruity flavours, similar to the nose, with dried raisins and stewed plums. Sweetness comes in the form of dark chocolate, hazelnut praline, and honey which is almost verging into golden syrup depth. Dried hay and maltiness meet cocoa powder and dusty savoury spices such as cinnamon or cassia bark, and cloves. And there remains a freshness from citrus flowers and well as the juicy fruits.
Drying and peppery on the finish, this whiskey does linger for while. The robust malty and chocolate flavours bring both a sweetness as well as savoury element. Add a dash of lemon and lime citrus which brings on some mouth-watering.
What’s The Verdict?
A remarkably bold style of Irish whiskey, that may surprise some classic Irish whiskey fans… it is not for the faint hearted. It truly offers a delicious mix of savoury and sweetness. You would expect the PX cask to bring extra sweetness but rather it delivers deeper earthy characters, and leaves the sweetness to the bourbon casks. Underneath all of this is a malty grassiness to remind us this is a distinctly Irish whiskey. Definitely worth the experience for a remarkably well price core product. A great offering for a first core release.
