First Impressions
Dingle Single Malt — from one of Ireland's first purpose-built craft distilleries. Founded 2012 by Porterhouse Brewing's Oliver Hughes and Liam LaHart on the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, on Ireland's wild Atlantic coast. Small-batch production in a converted sawmill.
The Craft Approach
Triple-distilled from 100% malted barley in copper pot stills. Aged 6-7 years in a mix of 39% first-fill ex-bourbon and 61% ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. Non-chill filtered, 46.3%. The high sherry proportion gives it richness unusual for such young stock.
Tasting
Rich nose with anise, dark chocolate, and citrus peel. Bright grapefruit palate with toffee, pine, and raw honey — a herbaceous, savoury character develops. Medium-long finish with mint and dark chocolate bitterness. It improves the longer you spend with it.
The Verdict
Dingle Single Malt earns a 7.5 — a characterful Irish craft whiskey with genuine personality. At £52, fair for the quality. The sharp, dry profile may surprise those expecting typical Irish smoothness, but that's what makes it interesting. Kerry's wild Atlantic coast in a glass.
