Whisky: The Irishman – The Harvest
Producer: ABG Group
Distillery: Sourced from multiple distilleries
Whisky Type: Irish Blend (single malt and single pot still whiskeys)
Region: County, Carlow. Ireland
Age: NAS
ABV: 40%
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Price Range: $

Previously known as Founder’s Reserve, The Irishman – The Harvest is an Irish blend made from single malt and single pot whiskeys produced, not made by Walsh Whiskey in County Carlow, Ireland.

Bernard and Rosemary Walsh opened the Walsh Distillery on the Royal Oak Estate in 2016 in partnership with Illva Saronno, an Italian drinks company known for its Disaronno liqueur. The parties could not agree on the company’s future and parted ways in 2019, with the Walsh couple keeping ownership of the two brands (The Irishman and Writer’s Tears) and Illva Saronno with the ownership of the Royal Oak Estate Distillery, which was later renamed Royal Oak Distillery.

In 2021 Global producer of alcoholic drinks, The Amber Beverage Group (ABG), acquired Walsh Whiskey Company. Bernard Walsh became managing director to oversee the development of the brands.

This Irish blend is the flagship of the range and contains 70% single malt and 30% pot still whiskey. Triple distilled and matured in ex-bourbon barrels for about 7 to 9 years. Made from Irish barley and bottled at 40% ABV.

The pot still style requires the mash to have at least 30% unmalted barley, at least 30% malted barley, and up to 5% allowed for any other grain (malted or unmalted), such as corn, rye, etc. The style also requires distillation in traditional pot stills.

Tasting Notes for The Irishman – The Harvest

Nose: Delicate aromas of apples, flowers, and pears. Lovely.

Palate: The arrival is slightly sweet with some leather, vanilla, and cereal flavors. All flavors are enjoyable but stay flat and uneventful. Adding water brings up the floral profile I expect from Irish Whiskey, but the whiskey is too fragile to take more than half of teaspoon of water.

Finish: Short finish and very delicate. Not interesting.

Conclusion: I was excited when I purchased this whiskey. It came from the same producer as Writer’s Tears Copper Pot Marsala Casks finish, but The Irishman – The Harvest Irish Whiskey disappointed me. The depth was not there, and the finish was so short and boring. The fact of the matter is this Irish whiskey felt too soft for my taste.

I had the audacity to compare it to Bushmills Prohibition Recipe (The Peaky Blinders Edition) and confirmed that it was too delicate for my taste. However, I can understand how this whiskey has an audience, but to me, it did not pack enough fun for a high score. I might include this whiskey in a girl’s tasting. I think they will enjoy it. No sarcasm.

Score: 2/5 ⭐

For more reviews on Irish whiskey check here. Check more pictures and vídeos on Instagram.

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