The Irishman Founder's Reserve

The Irishman Founder’s Reserve is a NAS blend of Single Malt (70%) and Pot Still (30%) whiskeys from Walsh Whiskey that is triple distilled and matured in Bourbon casks. Their Royal Oak distillery in County Carlow opened in 2016 and produces The Writers’ Tears range also. I took an interesting tour of the distillery last year - I was in a tour group of one, so I got some undivided attention from the knowledgeable guide. With their own means of production they plan to extend their range under both brands, and they hope to soon release the first whiskey distilled at their new facility. In the meantime this is produced to Walsh's recipe by Midleton distillery. This smells better than it tastes. The nose is light and fruity, with cereal and vanilla but a tad too much ethanol. The palate is lightly sweet, malt and honey - pleasant but far from remarkable. A few drops of water mutes the ethanol but I found that it is easily drowned. Calibrate carefully! In my opinion, it’s not as good as The Irishman 12 Year Single Malt, which is also aged in ex-bourbon casks, but better than the The Irishman Single Malt NAS that is aged in a mixture of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. But hey, my personal preferences tend to slightly lean away from the sweeter “winey’ finishes

After reading the reviews here I wanted to try this. Unfortunately for me the lowest price I could find it for in my area was $37 before tax. It is a good whisky, a little hot, but with great flavor of honey, malt, vanilla, spice and and a hint of sweetness--which I think is typical of Irish whisky. It has a great mouthfeel, much heavier than a typical Irish. I admit that Irish is not my go to whisky. When I survey my purchases and empty bottles, they seem to be in a ratio of Scotch 20, bourbon 3, rye 2, and Irish 1. I like this Irish, it is really good. However, since I seldom drink Irish and this is very pricey in my area, I will probably stick with the more available Bushmills, Jameson, and definitely the wonderful Black Bush, all at a lower price. If this could be had for around $25 around here, it would be a regular purchase

I think this stuff is very underrated. Blend with single malt and pot still is not the norm. Writers tears has this as well albeit higher pot still. I snagged this on sale with two glasses for $19.99 . Nose has some complexity with honey, green tea and fresh sunflower. Good legs and nice mouthfeel, flavor is rich with great body and balance(almost scotch like) tasty malt with pot still spice. Finishes smooth, long, savory drying out to oak. A real gem imo kinda like a young budget Redbreast. Think I have to stick to pure pot still , single malts or these type of blends as regular grain blends are not in same ballpark for me. I already returned to get another one of these for backup 84/100 Update : see this now for around $32.....think im gonna try Writers tears

I was happily surprised by this one. Whether it is fair or not I look at Irish Whiskey as Green Spot and then everything else. It may even be blasphemous to say but I prefer the flavor profile to that of the hallowed Redbreast 12. While Irish Whiskey shares a lot of similar tasting notes, the green apple and almond/marzipan I pick up in Green Spot aren't always as present in other Irish. This had all those same notes to the point where I would easily say makes it as close to Green Spot as I've tasted at half the price. This is the highest compliment I can give it beyond that it is delicious. I will definitely try and find again and buy it anytime I see it. Cheers!

We see a handful of reviews that compare to brands like Redbreast, Green Spot and Writers Tears. Top shelf shit! The Irishman, distilled at Walsh Distillery, the same as Writers Tears.. has a heavy single malt and pot still blend.. it is fantastic! It could very well be a bench mark for Irish whiskey, especially with such strong POT STILL flavor. Single Malt texture with bursting pear, green apple nose + taste with smooth honey finish. It's obvious why some toss around Redbreast, Green Spot and Writers Tears comparisons, it is really THAT good! If one where looking to explore Irish whiskey, I'd start here knowing this is really good stuff.

This offering puzzled me. I didn’t know what to think a few months ago when I first broke the seal. I didn’t know what to think as I ponderously made my way through it. And having finished it I still know not what to think. But Its gone now and I have to write something. I like this distiller/brand. They usually. put out great product. This is not great product. It’s kind of boring. It never changes after being allowed to breathe. It stays boring. Too young maybe, too malty maybe. I don’t know. I don’t know what to think. But I’m kind of glad the bottle is empty so I don’t have to anymore