Two Stacks The First Cut Signature Blend Irish Whiskey (75cl, 43%)

The First Cut is the flagship of Two Stacks, an independent Irish bonder and blender founded in 2020 by Shane McCarthy, Liam Brogan and Donal McLynn. It is a five-part blend bottled at 43% ABV, non-chill filtered and of natural colour. The make-up is set out openly: 40% dark grain aged in virgin oak, 40% light grain and 10% double malt, both from ex-bourbon casks, 8% pot still from ex-oloroso sherry casks, and 2% peated malt from ex-bourbon. The components are aged between four and seven years. The nose offers vanilla cream, dried pineapple, honey, toasted oak, subtle citrus and light peat. The palate is creamy and dense, with butterscotch, candied citrus, dried fruit, sherry richness, black tea and a touch of smoke. The finish is long and spicy, with oak, black pepper, vanilla, pineapple and lingering peat.