In recent times, Writers’ Tears has launched a sequence of restricted version releases, all single cask choices with unique finishes, which is one thing of a energy of the distillery.
In the present day we’re taking a look at two of those — launch #8, completed in Inniskillin Ice Wine casks, and launch #6, completed in Japanese mizunara oak. Each appear to start out with customary Writers’ Tears whiskey as their base — a mix of pot nonetheless and single malt — although the bottling proof of every whiskey varies. They each sound so thrilling I couldn’t determine which to dig into first.
Ultimately, I needed to break the deadlock and pour a glass of every. Ideas observe.
Writers’ Tears Irish Whiskey – Inniskillin Ice Wine Cask Evaluate
Ice wine served because the ending cask for our #1 whiskey of 2024, so I had extraordinarily excessive hopes for it right here. Maybe an excessive amount of so….
Twelve months of ice wine ending has surprisingly not given this whiskey the fruity, Sauternes-like sweetness I used to be anticipating, however reasonably a curious crimson wine character, sharp and a little bit tannic, that includes notes of orange oil and cinnamon. There’s a greener high quality to the whiskey that builds with time in glass: notes of thyme and a heavy natural tone, neither of which connote ice wine within the slightest.
The palate is once more fairly odd, with an oxidized taste that evokes Marsala reasonably than ice wine — sharp and oxidized. Overtones of toasted coconut and a sharper orange peel character quickly emerge, then torched lemon peel. Shifting from Marsala, the whiskey gives oloroso sherry vibes. The end showcases a extra dessert-like character, however none significantly wine-like, together with lighter chocolate notes, almond nougat, and vanilla creme brulee, with a last rush of lemon-orange acidity on high. It’s a nice sufficient whiskey — and one which drinks far hotter than its 46% abv would counsel — however what I actually, actually wished was for that candy ice wine to shine by way of.
92 proof. Reviewed: Cask #4173.
B+ / $90 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Writers’ Tears Irish Whiskey – Japanese Cask End Evaluate
The essence of Japan shines by way of on this whiskey instantly, which doesn’t precisely shock given the final delicacy of Irish whiskey. The nostril showcases the unmistakable components of mizunara wooden, gently tannic and laced with a mixture of delicate spice and umami notes. Time in glass evokes notes of sesame and a heavier barrel char high quality.
The palate doesn’t rock the boat: Honey-sweet up high, then fairly fruit-laden, the whiskey is heat at 55% abv, however tempered by soothing notes of coconut and sesame, then extra conventional caramel and honey notes. Time in glass once more brings out extra char and, on the tongue, some black pepper which provides a bolder raciness to the proceedings. Evenly candied on the again finish, right here the fruit sweetens up additional en path to a end that melds sesame cookies with brown banana and almond brittle. Allspice clings to the palate on the fade-out.
Actually, this tastes similar to any variety of precise Japanese whiskeys I’ve encountered in recent times, threading the needle between candy and savory fairly deftly — although finally the needle leans heaviest into fruit.
110 proof. Reviewed: Cask #1733.
A- / $120 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Writers’ Tears Irish Whiskey – Japanese Cask End
USD120
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