If Jack Daniels is your favorite whiskey, you are a typical American. If Jim Beam is your favorite; you know shit about whiskey. Irish Whiskey and Scotch, are by far, the best whiskeys in the world. The Irish and the Scottish know booze. They have been making good booze for hundreds, if not a thousand years.
Today, while at Liquor Barn, I came across Knappogue Castle 12 year Whiskey. My favorite whiskeys are Middleton, Jameson 18 Year and Bushmills 21 Year. I love almost all Jameson, almost all Bushmills, Redbreast and all Middleton. I gave this new Whiskey a try. And man, it was worth the $37.99 price. I like it better than Bushmills 10 year and Jameson 12 year, which are in the same price range.
Smell – Knappogue has a very fruity smell. It’s more mild than say Jameson, Jameson 12 year and Bushmills. It sort of reminds me of Bushmills’ Black Bush which barrels are coated with cherries.
Taste – Like the smell, the taste is very fruity. It reminds me of Jameson’s Vintage. Not as well flavored, but then again, it’s a $37.99 bottle when compared to the nearly (and sometimes more) $200 price tag of the Vintage. It has a mild kick to it and goes down smooth overall.
When compared to other Irish Whiskeys – I rate all Middleton, Jameson 18 year and Vintage, Busmills 21 and 16 years, and Redbreasts 12, 15 and Casket as a perfect 10 out of 10. I rate Jameson Gold Reserve a 9.5 out of ten. I would give this whiskey an 8.5 out of 10, which would make it equal to Jameson 12 Year and Bushmills 10 year.
Price – Knowing my Irish Whiskey, the price of $37.99 is great. This whiskey is equal to Busmills 10 year and Black Bush, and Jameson 12 Year. Those whiskeys are in the same price range. Being aged 12 years, the whiskey is no equal to Redbreast, but the price range is more pleasing to the eye and bank account than Redbreast.
For Americans who are use to shit whiskey – Most Americans who drink fake whiskey would probably like this one. It is very fruity in nature and easy to drink. I can picture some trendy college chick enjoying this with a splash of something.
How to drink it – Anyone that knows me, knows I love drinking most Irish Whiskey neat. At times, I may add one (or two) ice cubes. This one is best served with one or two ice cubes. The ice brings out the fruity flavors. I tried a sip neat and the flavor was just not the same.