Dares are a serious challenge. What's even more serious? A triple dog dare of course. That is the challenge that I gave Matt over at Big Thirst when I asked him for a sample of this new Irish whiskey in exchange for an honest review. He obliged and I quickly had my own bottle to explore. Irish whiskey has long been a love of mine. I have been happily exploring it as a spirit category since roughly 2012, some of my favorites being Redbreast, Bushmills, the Spots, Slane, Tyrconnel, and Teeling. So what made Dan O'Shevlin launch a new Irish whiskey in this busy landscape? I turned to their website to learn more.
For centuries, master distillers of Irish whiskey have dared to compete with each other to create some of the best whiskeys in the world. Years ago, on a brisk and fateful evening in a small Dublin pub, a group of whiskey makers were passionately debating how traditional Irish whiskey could better appeal to the next generation of Irish whiskey lovers.
Of course, being whiskey lovers themselves (exceptionally so that particular night), they dared each other to create a new caliber of whiskey, something outside the conventional, stodgy norm. These things tend to escalate, which eventually led to the pinnacle of pub challenges: the formidable “Triple Dog Dare."
At the table that night was Dan O’Shevlin, a whiskey aficionado with a background in biochemistry. Inspired and undaunted, Dan took the dare. The result is a new breed of Irish whiskey—an unconventionally styled, yet true Irish spirit markedly different from traditional, establishment brands—aptly named, Triple Dog.
Triple Dog Irish Whiskey is an Irish spirit born of, and celebrating, daring individuality. Beyond the strong pedigree, its bold stance alone tells you these dogs were bred to be different. But wait until you taste it. This deliciously unique and proprietary blend has a sweet aroma of toasted caramel, and a rich palette of crème brûlée, honey, and cracked vanilla bean followed by a defined citrus finish. Each bottle contains a spirit aged at least four years in French oak casks.
That's a long tale for any whiskey, especially an up-and-coming brand. Hitting the shelves at an approachable entry point of 38 bucks, I'd imagine Dan is hoping to cater to a wide audience with this release. I don't discuss or prorate my reviews based on cost, but allow my readers to make their own judgement call on 'value'. This is a bottle I received for review with no strings attached & I have explored it in accordance with my editorial policy. Let's see what the liquid inside is all about!
Company on Label: Distilled Resources for O'Shevlen Spirits
Whiskey Type: Irish Whiskey
Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Irish grains
Proof: 80°
Age: Minimum of 4 years
Further identification: This bottle comes frosted black with the cheeky spiked collar around the neck now available at an MSRP of ~$38
Nose: Light linen and hay slowly ebb out of the glass as I raise it to my nose. Sweet grape skins and a touch of King’s Hawaiian rolls are the aromas that take significant digging to find. Hints of sugar cookie, ethanol and hot coffee can be found with the nose fully inside the glass. Hopefully a sip can amplify the intensity that this whiskey is sorely lacking on the nose.
Coming back from a few sips I find a touch of orange peel on the deepest inhales my nostrils can muster. There's a slight rubbery characteristic alongside faint hints of chocolate. The empty glass smells like sunscreen and beach sand.
Palate: My first sip carries the classic viscous, oily mouthfeel that Irish whiskey is known for. Vanilla, light bread and a short burst of sugar cookie show up in subsequent sips. This glass struggles to produce much at all in the way of flavor. Overall it's light, airy and bright. My last sip demonstrates another simple wave of vanilla yogurt and soft grape notes that fails to register any patent importance on my palate.
TL;DR: Definitely a crowd-pleasing whiskey for those looking for smooth sipping
Rating: 3/5
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this whiskey. It's approachable and light, delivering a really easy sip. The part I do have a bit of a qualm with is the bold statement at the top of their webpage.
FINALLY, a true Irish whiskey different from all the stodgy, establishment whiskeys.
A bit of a tall tale if you ask me.