Whisky Review/Tasting: Barr an Uisce Wicklow Rare

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The whisky is Irish, with a name inspired by a village, suggesting a geographical connection to Ireland.
Type: It is a blended Irish whiskey, comprising 80% grain and 20% 10-year-old malt.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky undergoes maturation for four years in bourbon casks followed by six months in sherry casks, a typical cask finish approach.
Age Statement: While the specific age statement is not provided, it includes 10-year-old malt in its blend.
Color, Clarity, and Bottle Design: The bottle design is described as having a "fat" shape with a "very gracious hole on top," making pouring easy. The lid is made of sheet metal with sharp edges, which was critiqued. The whisky's color or clarity wasn't specifically described, but the packaging theme involves a "crust."

The Barr an Uisce Wicklow Rare offers a sweet flavor profile, with prominent notes of honey, figs, and vanilla, resembling a fruitcake with baked fruits. The taste is described as soft, oily, and sweet, with additional flavors of plums and raisins, making it a very pleasant sipping whisky. Despite its high grain content, the sweetness and pleasantness mask the grain flavor, making it appealing even to those who might usually steer away from grain-heavy blends.

The name "Barr an Uisce" is of Irish Gaelic origin, translating roughly to "top of water," which might refer to a cliffside by the sea, indicating a connection to a specific geographical feature or location in Ireland. However, the exact translation or significance wasn't definitively known by the host.

The whisky's name and inspiration from a village suggest a deep connection to Irish culture and geography, embodying the essence of its origin in its branding and possibly in its flavor profile.

The host appreciates the non-chill filtered aspect of the whisky, indicating a preference for more traditional production methods.
Despite the initial critique of the bottle's lid design, the host praises the whisky's flavor profile, especially noting its pleasantness and sweetness, which effectively masks the grain component, making it an exceptional blend.

Barr an Uisce Wicklow Rare is a blended Irish whiskey with a sweet and pleasant flavor profile, featuring notes of honey, figs, vanilla, plums, and raisins.
It is matured in bourbon casks for four years and finished in sherry casks for six months.
The whisky's name has cultural and geographical significance, hinting at its Irish origins.
The host critiques the bottle's lid design but praises the whisky's taste, especially its ability to mask the grain flavor with its sweetness.
The non-chill filtered aspect is highlighted as a positive feature.

For Sweet Whisky Lovers: Individuals who enjoy sweet and fruity whisky profiles will likely find Barr an Uisce Wicklow Rare very appealing.
For Blended Whisky Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the complexity and craftsmanship of blended whiskies, especially with a significant grain component, will enjoy this whisky.
For Irish Whisky Aficionados: Fans of Irish whisky looking to explore beyond single malts may find this blend a delightful and high-quality option.
For Beginners: The pleasantness and sweetness of this whisky make it an excellent choice for beginners or those new to whisky tasting.