Glendalough Double Barrel Single Grain is one of those bottles that quietly makes a case for Irish whiskey's broader ambitions. While the world fixates on single pot still and blended expressions, the single grain category in Ireland has been doing interesting work — and this double barrel release from the Wicklow Mountains distillery is a solid example of why it deserves attention.
Single grain Irish whiskey occupies a curious space. It's lighter-bodied than its pot still cousins, built on a column-still backbone that prioritises accessibility without sacrificing character. The double barrel treatment here — an initial maturation followed by a second cask finish — adds layers that a straightforward single grain might lack. At 42% ABV, it sits just above the legal minimum, which is sensible for this style. You don't need cask strength to appreciate what's happening; the extra two percent over 40% gives it enough presence on the palate without overwhelming the grain's natural sweetness.
Tasting Notes
I won't pretend to break this down into seventeen sub-notes of alpine wildflower and artisanal honeycomb. What I will say is that Glendalough has a knack for producing whiskeys that drink cleanly. The double barrel approach tends to round off any rough edges from the grain spirit and introduce a secondary flavour profile — expect the kind of interplay between cereal sweetness and whatever the finishing cask contributes. It's a whiskey that rewards a moment of patience but doesn't demand you write a thesis about it.
The Verdict
At £32.25, this is genuinely good value. The Irish single grain market is still relatively uncrowded compared to the Scotch equivalent, and Glendalough are positioning themselves smartly within it. This isn't trying to be a complex, hours-long contemplation dram. It's a well-made, double-matured grain whiskey that delivers more than its price tag suggests. The NAS designation won't bother anyone here — age statements in grain whiskey are less of a quality marker than in malt, and what matters is whether the liquid works. It does.
I'd rate this 7.7 out of 10. It's a confident, well-executed expression that does exactly what it sets out to do. It won't convert the peat-obsessed single malt crowd, but it's not trying to. For anyone exploring Irish whiskey beyond the usual suspects, or looking for a versatile bottle that works across multiple occasions, this is a smart buy. Glendalough continue to punch above their weight from their base in County Wicklow, and this double barrel grain is a fine example of their range.
Best Served
This is a natural highball whiskey. Pour 50ml over ice in a tall glass, top with good soda water and a strip of lemon peel. The grain's inherent lightness and sweetness make it ideal for long drinks — it holds its character when lengthened rather than disappearing into the mixer. Equally comfortable neat as an after-dinner pour, but the highball is where this bottle really earns its place on the shelf.
