Writers' Tears Copper Pot

Overall Rating: 88/100 Introduction Writer's Tears Copper Pot is a distinguished Irish whiskey produced by Walsh Whiskey. This expression pays homage to Ireland's rich distilling heritage by blending single pot still and single malt whiskeys, deliberately excluding grain whiskey to focus on depth and character. The result is a flavorful and nuanced spirit that appeals to both whiskey enthusiasts and those new to Irish whiskey. Appearance In the glass, the whiskey presents a bright golden hue with shimmering amber highlights. Its clarity and brilliance hint at a meticulous distillation process and quality maturation. Nose The aroma is inviting and layered. Initial notes of fresh green apples and honeyed sweetness emerge, followed by subtle hints of vanilla and caramel from the ex-bourbon cask maturation. Delicate floral undertones mingle with a touch of toasted oak and a whisper of spice, adding complexity to the bouquet. Palate On the palate, Writer's Tears Copper Pot is smooth and medium-bodied. It opens with flavors of rich butterscotch and creamy malt, complemented by fruity accents of ripe peaches and apricots. The single pot still component introduces a gentle spiciness—think cinnamon and white pepper—that balances the sweetness. There is also a subtle nuttiness, perhaps almond or hazelnut, that adds depth to the flavor profile. Finish The finish is long and satisfying, characterized by a warm glow and lingering notes of honey and soft spice. Hints of oak and dried fruit fade gracefully, leaving a clean and refreshing aftertaste that encourages another sip. Conclusion Writer's Tears Copper Pot is a testament to the artistry of Irish whiskey blending. Its harmonious combination of sweet and spicy elements showcases the best of single pot still and single malt whiskeys. With its approachable yet sophisticated character, it stands out as a versatile whiskey suitable for sipping neat, over ice, or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour. Overall Impression: A well-crafted Irish whiskey that offers complexity without overwhelming the palate. Its balance and smoothness make it an excellent choice for both seasoned whiskey drinkers and those looking to explore the richness of Irish distilling traditions.

Tasted neat from a grappa copita after several minutes of rest. This has a very mild but pleasant nose. I get a wildflower honey, ripe apple flesh, some tart apple skin and a nice lack of ethanol. If one inhales through the mouth and nose some tropical elements emerge, primarily banana and slight kiwi. It's very pleasant and inviting. Not at all challenging, but still entertaining. On the tongue this whiskey offers a bit less of a panoramic experience. Starting with a soft, almost velvety mouthfeel there is a foundation of sweet fermented grain that is accented by vanilla & floral honey. There's a slight citrus note to the back palate with a bitter finish of green banana peel. A soft blush of pepper keeps things from being too soft. This is nice. It's very easy to sip, entertaining but not challenging. It's not complex. It shows all its colors pretty quickly, but it also is very accommodating. Served in a soda highball this was refreshing and well balanced. On ice it's overly tamed, I think. I rate on a bell curve scale. Most production whiskies should score between 2 and 3 with a peak of 2.5. To rate above 3 it would have to show notable value or taste. To rate above 4 is exceptional. I think this is a bit better than average, so it deserves at least a 3. I like this a bit more than Tullamore D.E.W. and I scored that as a 2.5 - right in the middle of the curve. As good as it is, Writer's Tears is also more than twice the price of the Tully. It is an easy sipper, and an okay value. This is tasty neat and adaptable to some cocktail use, but at 80 proof it is a bit spineless. I think for taste this gets a 3.25 balanced against a value of 2.75.

On the nose it brings lots of aromas. It is very aromatic. What i liked was that the fresh aromas are dominating: citrus, some fresh tropical fruits, light beach. Very close to the classic pot still experience. It definatel not promis any complexity but lots light freshness. On the palete the wood is dominating with its light bitterness combined with the delicate taste of barley. It is less fruity and less fresh than you would expect based on the aromas. But it is definitely interesting, and if you like wooden bitterness this whiskey will meet yor expectations . The finish is as you expect from a lighter whiskey . The fruit come up again, resulting well-balanced experience. It is definitely worthwhile to try . I’m not sure I will buy another one, but altogether I liked it.

Writer's Tears is a decent blend, that probably won't blow you away, but it's more interesting than some of its cheaper counterparts. Is it $10 better than those, that may be debatable. The nose opens up with honey, malt and vanilla. The first sip is quite sweet, as you get the typical grain/cereal notes. The finish fades quickly, as some dried fruit and sweetness take over. There is little burn to this one. Is Writer's Tears worth the price tag? I probably would lean towards no, but I wouldn't reject it if it was offered to me. It's better than Jameson in my opinion and about on par with Jameson Black Barrel. The fact that you can get Black Barrel though for cheaper, probably makes that the better choice.

I don’t know about “The Champagne of Irish Whiskey”, but certainly this is “The Cognac of Irish Whiskey”. Exceptionally well crafted, this whiskey is one of the best we’ve ever had. A deeply rich, fruity, citrus touched and light Irish that has us going back for more. There is so much going on here with flavors that keep popping in and out as the journey goes forward. At times lightly spicy with gingerbread, at others brightly fruity like a sherry-finished spirit, the overall effect is of a lovely liquid dessert. Quite remarkable and deserving of the many accolades it has garnered over the years.

These notes are from a blind tasting (Flaviar Advent Calendar) The smell is pleasant and very light. Vanilla, honey, cooked red fruit and fresh green apple. The taste - light, but spicy. Cooked red fruit, sweet vanilla, and honey. The spice is a red fruit spice but a nice bit of fresh ginger and green apples as well. Very nice.  The finish is - short but pleasant. Apples and ginger spice carry it to the end. This is very enjoyable. Happy to have it on the shelf anytime depending on the price. It isn’t the most complex but it delivers a nice experience.   Overall Grade: B  (Good)