Glendalough – 17 Years Old Single Malt Mizunara Cask Finish (46%)

This is a 17 year old Irish single malt from Glendalough, bottled at 46% ABV. It spent 15 years maturing in ex-bourbon casks, followed by two years of finishing in Japanese mizunara oak. Mizunara is a very porous wood, which means a good deal of spirit is lost to leakage. It also lets the whiskey sink deep into the wood, so the distinctive character of the oak comes through in a short time. The nose is rich, with sweet vanilla, marmalade, banana and a pleasant spiciness from the oak. The palate is intense yet balanced, with honey and creamy vanilla that moves into spicy, woody notes.