The Whistler Dark Symphony (70cl, 43%)

The Whistler Dark Symphony is an Irish blended whiskey made from 20% malt and 80% grain whiskey, triple distilled and bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. It is unfiltered and of natural colour. The blend spent its first three to four years in first-fill bourbon barrels, then at least twelve months in VSOP cognac casks. These are New Era Oak Casks, whose staves are cleaned by hand and toasted to bring out the spicy tones of the oak alongside a candied fruit character. The nose offers wild berries, citrus and soft clove. Blackberry, green apple, roasted orange and dark chocolate follow on the palate, and the finish is long and dry.