The Dublin Liberties distillery will be open next year. In the meantime, they are acting as independent bottlers.
Whilst the Dublin Liberties website talks of craft & tradition [and oozes of flannel] LINK, the Dubliner range appears to be a [Quintessential] ‘brand’ led operation with not a glimmer of provenance – take a look at the website LINK. Let’s see what the juice is like on either side.
[The] Dubliner NAS bourbon cask blend Ob. 40% WB72.64[13]
- N: Grassy sweet with an unusual combination of wine, cider & vanilla honey notes – not like mead in anyway however.
- T: Soft-fresh with a bitter edge. Doesn’t do much but sustains.
- F: Honeyed sweet with a bitter vanilla bite to end.
- C: A 3yo blend with a high malt ratio [60>40 malt>grain]. All bourbon casks.
Scores 77 points
[The] Dubliner 10yo single malt Ob. 42% WB78.71[9]
Ex-bourbon casks
- N: Uncomplicated start on summer melon fruits. With water comes more fruits yet with a bourbon-fresh resinous rawness.
- T: Thick=stubborn & waxy arrival. However an unexpected change in fortunate comes by adding water, which elevates the ‘thickness’ to present a softer, mildly salty and thoroughly more pleasing malt.
- F: Water softens the chalky bitter edge also.
- C: Definitely add water.
Scores 77 neat, 80 diluted.
[The] Dublin Liberties 10yo [2016] ’Liberties Copper Alley’ single malt Ob. 46% WB82.87[17]
- N: This third Dubliner [with the Liberties name badge], comes with sweeter orchard fruits and a clean sweet pungent pong. Develops with a small handful of salt ’n’ vinegar crisps.
- T: Plunges right in with its rich distillate & fully integrated oak.
- F: Rounded, controlled heat with a waxy chew.
- C: Well delivered Irish malt and easily my favourite of the three.
Scores 83 points
Happy World Whisk[e]y day!!
.