I don’t drink much Irish Whiskey…
To this point, I’ve only reviewed two other drams from the Emerald Isle: Jameson and Proper No. 12. Well, I guess it’s time for another and, since three is a magic number, I guess it’s time to create a category on this site for Irish drops. (I suppose I’ll have to try to review more sooner than later!)
As I’ve mentioned before, compared to Canadian, Scottish and American, there aren’t usually as many Irish whiskeys on the shelves here in Alberta. But I have noticed the number of different offerings increasing – especially in the big city liquor stores, but also in my smaller hometown bottle shops. Anyway, I noticed Roe & Co. Irish Whiskey at my favourite shop, recently, a few visits ago and something about the bottle must have been particularly attractive to me because I couldn’t take my eyes off it the next couple times I popped in. Well as I said, three is a magic number, and the third time I saw it, I decided I had to have it!
From what I have gathered, Roe & Co. is a combination of malt and grain whiskeys that have been aged in bourbon casks, which always scores points with my palate! I believe that Roe & Co. is currently sourced and blended from Diageo’s vast arsenal. On their website, their lineup consists of a variety of proofs, age statements as well as single malt and grain offerings, but this entry-level whiskey is the only one I have so far seen in my stomping grounds. It is marketed as a high-end cocktail whiskey but, since I rarely drink cocktails, let’s see if it can be enjoyed neat! This whiskey is bottled at 45% abv and cost me about $45 CAD.
To the Eye
This is a bright, coppery coloured dram. It’s not quite like bourbon, but the dark-honey and orangish flashes definitely suggest a bourbon influence. A tilt and swirl leaves my Glencairn coated with big, reluctant tears and thick legs.
In the Nose
Subtle but inviting… The first impressions are of malty biscuits and a sweetness that hints of toasted marshmallow. Mandarin oranges and a floral note that brings clover blossoms to my mind. Oak and vanilla, again revealing the bourbon casks used in the aging regime. Further nosing also reveals a bit of dry, grassy hay and a bit of candied ginger.
On the Tongue
Similar to the nose, actually. It’s a light-bodied dram, with sweet, malted-milk candies balanced nicely with more bitter flavours of citrus pith and oak. Bourbony flavours of caramel and vanilla and that floral note also weave throughout the entire experience. It’s a relatively straightforward palate but also quite delicious!
At first blush, the finish is shortish, with pretty much everything but the caramel and that floral note fading away with a dry astringency. As I have pondered my tasting notes a few times now, however, I have noticed that when I resist the call of that dryness to take another sip, a very discernible honey-flavour develops on the tongue. Patience is a virtue and one that will reward you with this whiskey!
Final Thoughts
I don’t know if I’ve ever described a whisky in this way, but Roe & Co. is whisky refreshing! I can definitely see myself enjoying a dram with ice, on my deck and under the sun in the summertime!
I don’t know how or why such a gentle whiskey with subtle aromas and flavours would be marketed as a mixer, but I don’t drink cocktails, so what do I know! I do quite like this dram, however, and I’m sure this won’t be the last bottle of Roe & Co. that finds a home in my cupboard!
A Dram or 2 