Croithlí Coillín Darach Quercus Robur (70cl, 46%)

Croithlí Quercus Robur is an Irish single malt from the Oak Cask Series, which explores different species of oak. It matured first in former bourbon casks and was then finished in new oak casks made from European oak grown in Slavonia, Croatia. It is bottled at 46% without chill-filtering, in a 70cl bottle. Quercus Robur is the botanical name of the oak, a species also often used for sherry casks. Its wood is more porous and noticeably less sweet than Quercus Petraea or Quercus Alba. Coillín Darach means 'little oak grove'. The nose has intense redcurrant and warming winter spices: ginger, clove and nutmeg. The palate is rich in fruit with pronounced spice. The strong, dry finish recalls wood smoke and dark chocolate.