Sunday, December 11, 2011

Spirit Sunday - This week Irish Mist Whiskey


This Week – Irish Mist ($55)

I know it's not good form for a reviewer to swoon, but I love Irish Mist Whiskey. I have been apprehensive about reviewing a whiskey because of its purity as a spirit as it's pretty similar to scotch or bourbon. The 'burn' of full spirit, and the fact that far more people drink whiskey meant I was anxious that I wouldn't find enough 'taste' to fill a review, and look like a ignoramus in the process. Thankfully, I couldn't have been more wrong.

Although Irish Mist is almost full proof (35% alcohol) the burn is beautifully mellow. On the nose are fruits, sweet honey and any number of unknown little spices and flavours. It sipped perfectly on ice, and almost as good at room temperature, where it smells the best too.

The trade off between that addition 5% of alcohol required to take it to full-proof and the incredible flavour make it the perfect example of a spiced or flavoured spirit. They haven't just poured a bottle of peach essence into the vat, like the flavoured varieties of Absolut Vodka. The tastes in Irish Mist were formed at the very start of the process, especially the honey.

The only sad bit is the price. It is worth the $50+ you'll spend on it, but that’s not an amount you can generally spend on spirits without an occasion. If your Dad has been exceptionally good this year, he'll love it and you after the first sip.

Irish Mist rates 4.75 stars.

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