Finvara the Kings Gambit

Finvara The King's Gambit | Whiskey Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Distilled in the historic fort of Dilgan on the Castletown River, Ireland.
  • Type: Blended Irish whiskey, triple distilled.
  • Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured in ex-bourbon casks with a finish in sherry casks.
  • Age Statement: Not specified, but indicated not to be a 20-year-old whiskey.
  • Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whiskey is likely to have a color influenced by its sherry cask finish.
  • Bottle Design: Features a figure all in green, depicting a green goblin-looking king playing chess, symbolizing the King's Gambit.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Balance of Flavors: A smooth and creamy balance, with a notable influence from the sherry cask finish.
  • Unique Characteristics: The whiskey is described as smooth, round, and intriguingly soft, with chocolatey and creamy notes. The nose is dominated by the sherry cask, while the taste brings in elements from the bourbon cask, including caramel and vanilla.
  • Comparison: Described as a typical Irish whiskey, emphasizing smoothness and creaminess.

Whisky Storytelling

  • Master Distiller: Created by master distiller David F. Heinz, associated with the Great Northern Distillery under John Teeling.
  • Legend: Named after Finn Vara, a legend in Ireland related to the myth of the Green Island.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Historical Context: The whiskey's distillation location and the legend it's named after tie it to Irish culture and mythology, emphasizing its Irish identity.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • "Intriguingly soft, round and smooth."
  • "It's a strong, smooth, typical Irish sherry cask whiskey."
  • "A bit dangerous because you could easily sip more of it and easily finish the glass without realizing it because it's so smooth and delicate."

Summary

  • Finvara The King's Gambit is a blended, triple-distilled Irish whiskey, matured in ex-bourbon and finished in sherry casks.
  • It features a smooth, creamy flavor profile with notes of chocolate, creamy honey, caramel, and vanilla.
  • The whiskey is named after an Irish legend, emphasizing its cultural roots.
  • It is described as a typical Irish whiskey, praised for its smoothness and easy drinkability.
  • The bottle design reflects the whiskey's name and Irish legend, featuring a green goblin-looking king playing chess.
  • Priced in the 30 euros range, it offers good value but is not an aged whiskey.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • For Beginners: Its smoothness and easy drinkability make it an excellent choice for those new to whiskey.
  • For Irish Whiskey Enthusiasts: A typical representation of Irish whiskey's characteristics, appealing to those who appreciate the style.
  • For Budget-Conscious Drinkers: Good value for its price, suitable for those looking for quality without breaking the bank.
  • For Collectors: The unique bottle design and the story behind the whiskey might interest collectors, especially those focused on Irish whiskeys.