Whiskey Review/Tasting: West Cork Black Cask

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: West Cork, Ireland.
Type: Blend of hand-selected grain and malt whiskey.
Distillation & Maturation: Finished in first-fill bourbon casks that have been double-charred.
Age Statement: Not specified.
Color & Clarity: Darker appearance, attributed to the double charred process, with no coloring added.
Bottle Design: Part of the West Cork cask collection, specifically the "Black Cask" edition, but detailed design aspects are not described.

Balance of Flavors: Well-balanced with a subtle sweetness, not dominated by any aggressive notes.
Unique Characteristics: Noted for its exceptional smoothness, with a very subtle scent of vanilla, and hints of caramel and chocolate. The double charred process imparts a roasted quality, likened to roasted nuts, adding depth to the vanilla and caramel flavors.
Comparison: Reminiscent of bourbon but less aggressive, offering a smoother and less sweet profile. It lacks the complexity of some single malts, presenting a somewhat flat but delightful taste.

Production Process: The whiskey benefits from a unique double-charred bourbon cask finish, which is suggested to enhance sweetness and purity by filtering out undesirable elements, making the whiskey smoother.
Anecdotes: The hosts humorously discuss the char level of the casks, mentioning a "char number five" and comparing it to the Tesla Model S's volume levels, highlighting the marketing aspect of whiskey production.

The whiskey is from West Cork, Ireland, a region known for its whiskey production. The use of double-charred bourbon casks is a notable technique that adds a unique Irish twist to the traditionally American process of charring casks.

"It's incredibly smooth... it really reminds me of a bourbon but where the red bourbon is more aggressive... sweetness is not dominant here but it's subtle."
"It's smooth but not that sweet. I like it."
The hosts appreciate the whiskey's smoothness and balanced profile, making it a good option for those who find bourbon too sweet.

West Cork Black Cask is a blend of grain and malt whiskey from Ireland, finished in double-charred bourbon casks.
It features a well-balanced flavor profile with a subtle sweetness, highlighted by vanilla, caramel, and roasted nuts.
The whiskey is exceptionally smooth, less sweet than bourbon, and somewhat less complex, making it accessible and enjoyable.
The double-charred process is a key storytelling element, enhancing the whiskey's smoothness and flavor.
Recommended for those who prefer a smoother, less sweet whiskey, possibly as an alternative to bourbon.

Bourbon Lovers Looking for Something Smoother: Those accustomed to the sweetness and aggressiveness of bourbon might enjoy this whiskey for its smoothness and subtler sweetness.
New Whiskey Drinkers: Its exceptional smoothness and balanced flavor profile make it an excellent choice for those new to whiskey, looking for an accessible and enjoyable experience.
Whiskey Enthusiasts Seeking Variety: While it may lack the complexity sought by some connoisseurs, its unique double-charred finishing process and flavor profile offer an interesting variation for those looking to explore different whiskey styles.