West Cork Glengarriff Series Bog Oak Charred Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey

West Cork Single Malt Irish Whiskey Glengarriff Series Bog Oak Charred Cask is another unique expression in the West Cork Distillers’ Glengarriff Series. Similar to its peat-charred sibling, this single malt undergoes an innovative finishing process, this time using casks heavily charred with locally harvested bog oak from the Glengarriff forest.

Key Features:

• Irish Origin: Produced by West Cork Distillers in County Cork, Ireland.
• Single Malt: Made from 100% malted barley.
• Glengarriff Series: Part of a limited series exploring unique cask finishes using local resources.
• Bog Oak Charred Cask Finish: Initially matured in sherry casks and then finished for approximately 4-6 months in casks heavily charred with bog oak from Glengarriff Forest. West Cork Distillers even developed their own bespoke charring device with the help of a local blacksmith for this process.
• Triple Distilled: Undergoes traditional Irish triple distillation.
• ABV: Typically bottled at 43% ABV.

Tasting Notes (based on various sources):

• Aroma: Offers a slightly smoky nose, often described as more earthy or leathery than peaty, with hints of spice and dried fruit from the sherry cask influence. Some detect notes of apple and liquorice.
• Palate: Presents a spicy character with notes of malt and cracked black pepper. Some find flavors of roasted nuts, honey, cinnamon, and a touch of fruit. There can also be a drying spice element.
• Finish: Medium in length with lingering spice and a subtle smokiness that is distinct from peat smoke. Some describe a tart finish with a smoky edge.

Overall Impression:

The West Cork Glengarriff Bog Oak Charred Cask offers a fascinating departure from traditional cask finishes. The use of bog oak for charring imparts a unique smoky and often spicy profile that interacts with the underlying sherry-matured single malt. It’s considered an experimental and interesting whiskey for those looking for something different in the Irish whiskey category.

Awards:

• Gold Medal: Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards (2019, 2021, 2022).
• Rated 93 points by Whisky Advocate.