Whisky Review/Tasting: West Cork Port 12 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Produced by West Cork Distillers, Ireland.
Type: Single Malt Irish Whiskey.
Distillation and Maturation: Finished in Port Casks from Douro, Portugal. It has an age statement of 12 years, though the exact duration spent in Port Casks versus traditional casks is unspecified.
Alcohol Volume: 43% (86 proof).
Filtration and Coloring: Non-chill filtered, no coloring added.
Color and Bottle Design: The specific color and bottle design were not detailed, but the Port Cask finishing likely imparts a unique hue to the whiskey.

Balance of Flavors: A complex balance between fresh and dried fruits, with a notable absence of the sweetness typically associated with bourbon cask maturation. The whiskey presents a subtle, sour profile with dark, rich tones.
Unique Characteristics: The whiskey is distinguished by its deep tones of dark chocolate, a leathery note, and a distinct Port wine influence. It lacks the vanilla and caramel notes often found in bourbon cask-aged whiskies.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique profile of sour wine notes, dark chocolate, and absence of sweetness sets it apart from more traditional, sweet, bourbon cask-aged whiskies.

Master Distiller: Frank McHardy, a renowned figure in the whiskey industry with a background at Springbank Distillery, is now the master distiller at West Cork Distillers. His expertise in handcrafted, non-industrialized distillation processes is highlighted.
Distillery Evolution: West Cork Distillers, established in 2003, has grown to distribute its products to 35 countries worldwide, showcasing its success and international appeal.

Port Cask Influence: The whiskey's finishing in Port Casks from Douro, Portugal, emphasizes the cultural exchange between Irish whiskey and Portuguese winemaking traditions, enriching its flavor profile with the distinctive characteristics of Port wine.

"It's something you might enjoy in the evening when you're not up for an adventure or excitement, but a subtle, nice, dark whiskey." - This quote encapsulates the whiskey's appeal as a more subdued, contemplative drink suitable for quiet evenings.

West Cork Port 12 Years is a single malt Irish whiskey finished in Port Casks from Douro, Portugal.
It features a complex flavor profile with notes of dark chocolate, leather, and a distinct Port wine influence, lacking the typical sweetness of bourbon cask-aged whiskies.
The whiskey is non-chill filtered, with no coloring added, and has an alcohol volume of 43%.
Frank McHardy, a master distiller with a prestigious background, leads the distillation process at West Cork Distillers.
The whiskey's Port Cask finishing highlights the cultural and geographical significance of the Douro region in Portugal.
Recommended for those seeking a subtle, sour, and dark whiskey for contemplative evenings.

For the Whiskey Connoisseur: Individuals with a deep appreciation for the craft of whiskey making and the influence of different cask finishes will find the West Cork Port 12 Years intriguing, especially with its unique Port Cask influence.
For the Adventurous Drinker: Those looking to explore beyond the typical sweet, bourbon cask-aged whiskies will appreciate the sour, dark chocolate notes and the absence of traditional vanilla and caramel flavors.
For the Evening Contemplator: This whiskey is ideal for someone seeking a subtle, complex drink for quiet, reflective evenings, as its profile is described as not being suited for those seeking adventure or excitement.