Review: The Irishman Founder’s Reserve and Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Review: The Irishman Founder’s Reserve and Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Walsh Whiskey is the home of Writers’ Tears and The Irishman, a more mainstream brand that spans at least 8 expressions of Irish whiskey. Today we look at two of the most widely available bottlings, a traditional blend and a single malt. Both carry no age statement. Let’s dig in.
The Irishman Founder’s Reserve Irish Whiskey – A vatting of triple-distilled 70% single malt and 30% single pot still (made with both malted and unmalted barley) whiskey. A classic expression of Irish, the nose is lightly doughy, with notes of butter cookies, gently toasted wood, and a touch of honey. The palate keeps things rolling, challenging no expectations of note, continuing the theme of cereal and light wood notes — though with more of that honey character evident here — leading to a clean and pleasant finish. No complaints whatsoever here, nor anything unexpected. 80 proof. B+ / $35
The Irishman Single Malt Irish Whiskey – 100% triple-distilled single malt, aged in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. There’s a lot of familiar DNA here, but the sherry influence gives the whiskey a sharper citrus note on the nose that balances out the more traditional cereal and honey character. The palate is much creamier than the comparatively thinner Founder’s Reserve, rounded, nutty, and almost silky at times, and while flavor-wise it’s not overwhelmingly complex, there’s a gentle citrus and slight chocolate note that comes along later in the game. Fairly simple but more expressive and immersive, it’s a solid upgrade worth considering. 80 proof. A- / $50 [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
The Irishman Founder's Reserve Irish Whiskey
$35
