Clonakilty Port Cask Finish landed on my desk at 43.6% ABV, carrying a $53 price tag. Here is what I found.
Nose
The nose is delicate, with baby powder and jasmine at the beginning. Cinnamon scones,with a sugar glaze, give off a sweetened grain note. Dried orange peel adds a citrusy element, whereas red apple adds a fruitier element. However, near the end of the nose, stale cedar comes through.
Palate
I typically find Irish whiskeys hit or miss for me, but is worth keeping a bottle at home. Compared to other Irish whiskeys I have had, the delicacy of the palate remains intact and unburdened by the grain. The port influences are there, but the terroir remains.
Finish
43.6% ABV. Irish premium malt and 9-year-old grain whiskey gently cut and finished in Douro Valley port casks. 750ml $53. Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
The Bottom Line
Clonakilty Port Cask Finish delivers the goods. It is well-made, genuinely enjoyable, and at $53 represents solid value for what you are getting. I would happily buy this again.
