From Ireland to Japan: The World’s Most Exotic Whiskey Journey
Glendalough 17-Year-Old Mizunara Cask whiskey is a fascinating and unique offering from Glendalough Distillery, a company known for blending Irish tradition with innovative spirit-making. This limited-edition single malt has caught the attention of whiskey enthusiasts for both its bold flavor profile and the complex process behind its creation.
Aged for 15 years in first-fill bourbon casks before being finished in rare Mizunara oak barrels from Japan, this whiskey is a celebration of craftsmanship and patience. The first-fill bourbon casks impart a classic Irish whiskey character, with sweet notes of honey, vanilla, and citrus coming to the forefront. However, it's the two-year finishing in Mizunara oak that sets this whiskey apart from others.
Mizunara oak is notoriously difficult to work with. The wood, which takes over 200 years to mature, is prone to leaking and cracking due to its soft and porous nature. Despite these challenges, Glendalough's commitment to using this rare wood shows their dedication to crafting something truly special. The Mizunara finish adds layers of complexity to the whiskey, with notes of exotic fruits and incense, giving the drink a unique depth that is rarely found in Irish whiskey.
The nose of the Glendalough 17-Year-Old Mizunara is an inviting blend of both familiar and intriguing aromas. The initial sweetness of red apple and brown sugar is balanced by the warmth of cinnamon and sandalwood. As the scent develops, notes of heather honey and liquorice emerge, followed by hints of strawberry and leather. It's a rich and multi-dimensional bouquet that hints at the complexity to come on the palate.
The flavor profile of this whiskey is where the Mizunara influence truly shines. On the palate, there's an initial burst of tropical sweetness, with coconut and pineapple taking center stage. This is complemented by the familiar sweetness of Crunchie Bars and the spicy warmth of ginger. The whiskey also has a subtly grassy, waxy texture that adds an interesting contrast to the sweeter notes. As the flavors evolve, there's a nuttiness from toasted pecans and a spiced undertone of cassia that rounds out the experience.
The finish is long and satisfying, with a lingering combination of sweetness and spice. Cadbury's Fruit & Nut chocolate, pineapple, and apricot dominate the aftertaste, along with a subtle peppery note that adds a final layer of complexity. The finish perfectly encapsulates the balance of the whiskey, leaving you with both the richness of the Mizunara oak and the sweetness from the bourbon cask aging.
Overall, Glendalough 17-Year-Old Mizunara Cask is a testament to the distillery's commitment to blending tradition with innovation. This whiskey not only showcases the skill of the distillers but also the unique characteristics of Mizunara oak, a wood that is rarely used due to its difficult nature. The result is a luxurious and complex whiskey that offers something new with every sip. With only 6,000 bottles produced, this is a rare and special expression that whiskey lovers should savor whenever they have the chance. Whether you are a seasoned whiskey drinker or someone looking to explore the world of premium Irish spirits, this bottle is a must-try.
