Scorching on the heels of Keeper’s Coronary heart, one other Irish and American whiskey mashup has landed on the Drinkhacker assessment desk: Natterjack, from the unusually-named Gortinore Distilling. Not like Keeper’s Coronary heart, which blends Irish and American whiskeys, Natterjack is triple-distilled solely in Eire however from a really corn-heavy grainbill just like American bourbons (80% corn and 20% malted barley). After ageing in used bourbon barrels for 3 years, the whiskey is then completed for six months in a brand new, American oak cask to impart what Natterjack’s founder, Aiden Mehigan, calls its “American accent.” A bit extra concerning the model from Mehigan:
“With Natterjack Irish Whiskey, we’re crafting new tastes and traditions for a technology that’s difficult the established order,” mentioned Aiden Mehigan, founder and CEO of Gortinore Distilling. “I used to be impressed by American bourbons to craft one thing totally different, which might problem People’ perceptions about Irish Whiskeys. What we’ve created is a distinctly totally different Irish whiskey that appeals to the tastes of American bourbon fans.”
Gortinore Distilling makes use of its energetic quest for journey to take dangers and make a whiskey that differs from the remaining. The Natterjack Toad, an endangered species, is the one native toad to Eire, and in contrast to others of its variety. The toad chooses to stroll as an alternative of hop, ending up in essentially the most unlikely locations – very similar to an Irish Whiskey ending up in America. Natterjack Irish Whiskey is an affectionate tribute to the Natterjack Toad and all it represents.
Natterjack Irish Whiskey is accessible at commonplace proof, which we’re reviewing right now, and likewise at cask power. Distribution is kicking off this 12 months in choose Texas markets with extra states to observe.
The aroma is mild and candy with notes of tinned pears, buttery oak, and a gentle, earthy undertone of grist and malt. I get loads of the Irish whiskey however not a lot in the way in which of an American “accent,” though the oak does change into a bit extra pronounced because it opens up. The palate follows swimsuit, corn candy and delicate with delicate notes of vanilla and a little bit of lemon custard. It finishes clear and a contact creamy with coconut flakes and fading oak. Natterjack isn’t an earth-shattering addition to the more and more crowded Irish whiskey panorama, however advertising and marketing apart, it’s a stable and exceptionally approachable choice, particularly given the modest age.
80 proof.
B+ / $40 / natterjack.com
Natterjack Irish Whiskey
$40
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