SPIRIT OF THE WEEK

Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV — €80

Stockists: O’Briens; Celtic Whiskey Shop Dublin and Killarney; JJ Foxes; L Mulligan; Independents.

From PJ Rigney of Gunpowder Gin and Sausage Tree Vodka comes the first Connaught-distilled whiskey in a century. Praise also for ageing the whiskey in bourbon and sherry casks for four years, 11 months (rather than the minimum three years). The first release is 12,000 bottles with 5,000 released in Ireland for Christmas. Distilled from malted and unmalted barley and Irish barra oats, this has distinct creamy vanilla and toffee aromas with a smooth caramel and spiceinfused palate, spikes of dried fruits such as prunes and raisins, and a salted caramel finish. A fine debut.