Velvet Cap Irish Whiskey (70cl, 40%)

Velvet Cap is an Irish blend of malt and grain whiskeys, bottled by Blackwater Distillery in small batches at 40% in a 70cl bottle. It is not chill-filtered and has no added colouring. After blending, the whiskey spends a further period in bourbon casks, Port casks and stouted rye casks, which previously held rye whiskey and stout beer. The name recalls the velvet caps worn by riders at Irish point-to-point racing, a tradition going back to 1752. The nose offers candied banana and dark stone fruit with honey and almonds. The palate is full-bodied on a malty base, with vanilla, plum and agave. The finish brings fruity ester notes reminiscent of tropical fruit.