TASTING 18  January 31st 2025

We kicked off with Ireland’s Gold Spot 13, all orchard fruit and honeyed malt, before Scotland answered with the Glenfiddich 21, rich with toffee and tropical spice. Round three brought us back to Ireland with BB&R Shortcross, lively with citrus and vanilla, then Scotland countered with the Macallan 12, full of sherried dried fruit and warm spice. The fifth dram, Ireland’s Glendalough 7, offered crisp apple and peppered grain, leading to the heavyweight finisher, Scotland’s Highland Park 18, layered with smoke, chocolate, and heathered honey.

It was a close-fought night ,  not a strict comparison (we could have matched the drams more evenly on price and style), but the smoothness of the Irish whiskies certainly won a lot of people over. When picking our line ups, we always aim to create contrast across the drams, and this tasting reminded us how broad and diverse the Scottish range is, while Irish whiskey continues to charm with its soft elegance.

TASTING NOTES

Gold Spot 13 (Irish) – Bright orchard fruits and honeyed malt with a silky oak finish.

Glenfiddich 21 (Scotland) – Rich toffee, tropical fruit, and elegant spice from rum cask influence.

Berrys’ Shortcross (Irish) – Fresh citrus, soft vanilla, and a lively herbal undertone.

Macallan 12 (Scotland) – Sherried dried fruits, warm baking spice, and smooth oak.

Glendalough 7 (Irish) – Crisp apple, toasted grain, and a hint of warming pepper.

Highland Park 18 (Scotland) – Balanced smoke, dark chocolate, and layers of heathered honey.