Writers Tears Red Head (46%, OB, 2016)

• Category: Irish blended single malt and single pot still whiskey
• Origin: Cooley Distillery
• Bottling: Walsh Whiskey
• ABV: 46%
• Cost: €48.99

What they say:

This exquisite, triple-distilled single malt is matured only in select handpicked Spanish sherry butts which have previously been seasoned with the finest Oloroso sherry. It is the influence of these scarce butts that give this expression of Writers Tears its signature rich, ruby hue and hence the moniker – ‘Red Head’. The expression is distilled without chill filtering as nature intended and at a distinctive 46% ABV.

Colour:

Rich Ruby Red

Nose:

Orange peel, dried fruits and sherry plums

Taste:

Nutty Oloroso, Spicy Raisins and creamy oak

Finish:

Long and wonderfully complex with a flourish of orange. An unhurried journey.

What I say:

The 4th and final dram from the #WalshWhiskey tweet tasting was this Oloroso Sherry Cask matured triple-distilled Writers Tears blend. Bottled at 46% ABV.

Colour:

Ruby gold (11/20)

Nose:

Plastic bags filled with clementines, bananas and milk chocolate covered toffees

Taste:

Initially sweet cola cubes & cherry coke before descending into tobacco, leather, spicy pepper & tabasco sauce!

Finish:

Medium-long, tabasco sauce in honey sweetness, oak wood spice

Overall:

I’m generally not a fan of too much spice in my whisky – this I can handle, but only just.

Score: 83/100

Don’t take my word for it:

TOModera’s Whisky Reviews Writers Tears Red Head

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