Silkie Irish Whiskey

First I reviewed the Bruichladdich Classic Laddie and pointed out that despite the apparent note on the bottle that it was unpeated, I couldn't help but detect a bit of smoke in the background. It was a perfect summer scotch for drinking at the beach, not that I've ever done so, since the beach town we go to is a dry one, and even if it weren't, I'm pretty sure drinking on the beach is something you're really only supposed to do on the DL, most of the time with cans of beer in cozies that hide the fact it's not soda. The Laddie was malty, citric, with notes of sea salt and light peat in the background. When I reviewed Glenglassaugh's Sandend whisky here, which one Whisky Advocate's 2023 Whisky of the Year, I was lukewarm mainly because, as I pointed out then, it has basically the same aroma and flavor profile as The Classic Laddie, even has the same proof at 100, but it comes $10-$20 more depending on where you're acquiring it. I was even able to test my theory as I had an open bottle of Laddie and Sandend at the same time, and they're not EXACTLY the same, but they are so closely identical, that unless there's a note in the Sandend you really prefer that's absent from the Laddie, there's no point in paying the extra for the Sandend. Why am I brining this up here and now? It's because Silkie Irish Whiskey, despite being Irish and despite being 92 proof, is extremely similar to both those whiskies and you can get this one for aboutr $40, which is $20 cheaper than Laddie and $30 cheaper than Sandend. Which is surprising. I had the Dark Silkie, which is not at all like the standard Silkie. I liked the Dark Silkie because it's more heavily peated than this, but the peat is kind of rubbery, which is an interesting taste, but also maybe it's not going to appeal to everyone, not even peat fans. The standard Silkie is, in fact, described as lightly peated, which is perhaps what puts me in mind of the Laddie, there's a slight touch there, not enough to be overwhelming but enough that those who don't drink peat will say, "Oh, this is peaty." So in the end I'm a fan and a convert. If I want an Irish, this is now going to be my go-to budget bottle given just how good it is vs. value for money. If I'm going Bruichladdich in the future, it's much more likely to be the Port Charlotte 10, and if I'm going Glenglassaugh, well, I'm sorry to say, they didn't impress me enough with the Sandend for me to consider being a returning customer. I've never had an Irish whiskey that has reminded me so much of a scotch, so that alone makes this a winner.

There's just something about Irish Whiskey that gets me. Maybe it seems to always be playing second fiddle next to it's Scottish counterparts and I'm a sucker for the underdog. It also could be because I've never had a dram of it that I didn't near love (mind you I haven't tried Proper 12...). It's just so damned unpretentious and drinkable. Next up is a bottle of the "legendary" Silkie that I managed to pick up for next to nothing before it was discontinued here in Ontario. Nose: Cereal malt, green apple, ripe peac and some whispers of smoke. Clean and crisp like an autumn breeze. Palate: Maybe I'm being influenced by the name but the mouthfeel is smooth as silk (silkie?). Leads with apple and stone fruit, with a faint punch of peat smoke. It's a little hot but not harsh in the slightest. Finish: The smoke lingers to more of a tobacco essence along with apple skins and oak tannins. Lingers for a bit before fading into the back. Another fantastic dram from the emerald isle. Punches well above its weight like a drunken leprechaun. Palate:

Nose: Caramel candy apple, sweet burdock (root beer), sugary rockets candy, a hint of mocha, sweet fresh wet oak, fresh woody spice, a hint of banana candy, soft black leather, purple plums, pecans and dates, a hint of fig concentrate, a touch of lemon cream, roasted chestnut, chestnut-wood bonfire, a hint of nougat, banana marshmallow, floral eau de cologne, clove, some spearmint and a hint of wintergreen, dill, a touch of grassy peat, a wisp of peat smoke, sweet peach, a good dollop of fresh caramel allowed to sit, some fresh basil, honeydew, a touch of sweet sherry, raisins and tamarind, a touch of sweet pineapple Palate: Sweet charred wood, raisins, a touch of spearmint mint with peat, clove and mace, some treacle, sweet and spicy oak, spicy pear, sweet-spicy cinnamon with a touch of fudge Finish: Ripe Bartlett pear, light grassy peat smoke, faint hint of nutmeg, some relatively fresh caramel, sweet and spicy oak, some figs and dates, light honey, mocha

NAS Blend 46% vol No coloring No chill filtered Nose: Fresh, fresh cut grass, green apples, little citrus acid. Salt. Wet grain. Not harsh, no ethanol. Not too complex. Barely noticeable peat. Remind me JW Black. Palate: Definitely gives my Johny Walker vibes. Citrus zest. Soft for 46 vol. Peat is definitely there. After: medium, begins as warm, butter cookies, pleasantly sweet at the end. Some tannins. Really appreciate 46 abv, no coloring and no chill-filteted. It is an interesting option for someone who tired from all the Speysides and Highlands. Not sure i will byu it again. There are just too many to explore

Silkie Irish Whiskey is a delightful expression that begins with a gentle introduction of light, floral notes, creating an inviting aroma. The initial taste unveils a smooth and creamy texture, accompanied by subtle hints of vanilla and honey, providing a comforting sweetness. As the flavors evolve, a touch of citrus emerges, brightening the palate with a refreshing twist. The whiskey's finish is characterized by a mild spiciness, contributing to a well-rounded and satisfying conclusion. Silkie Irish Whiskey embodies the charm of Irish spirits, offering a balanced and enjoyable drinking experience.

★★★½ Un whiskey du Donegal Après une visite impromptue de la distillerie où on ne pouvait pas acheter de bouteille, le sympathique guide nous indique 3 endroits pour acheter leurs produits. On en profite pour acheter le succulent gin qui ressemble au St-Laurent, on a rapporté une bouteille, et le whisky que nous allons malencontreusement boire sur la route avant de revenir au pays. Pour une jeune distillerie, leurs produits ont du potentiel. Il possède la douceur irlandaise et son côté épicé nous plaît grandement.