FIRST SIP: Lambay Single Malt

Lambay Whiskey matures on the private Lambay Island off the Dublin coast, the longtime home of the Baring family. (Photo courtesy of Lambay Whiskey.)  

Lambay Single Malt is one of four expressions from Lambay, with the others being a traditional blend, a malt whiskey, and a Cask Strength Single Malt.

Lambay Island is open for private tours and tastings. 

 Launched in 2018, Lambay Whiskey is a collaboration with the Camus Cognac house--each of Lambay's whiskeys are finished in Camus Cognac casks. The whiskeys mature in the former lifeboat cottage on the island in what the company says is the perfect micro-climate for maturation. 

Lambay Single Malt presents notes of dark cherry and oak nuttiness, all with subtle undertones of cognac. It's not particularly smooth like some Irish whiskeys--it has a definite bite to it that lingers on the tongue. 

ABV: 40%

Retail price: $40-50

Lambay Single Malt: 90 POINTS

 NOTE: Lambay Whiskey can be fairly difficult to find in the U.S., although you will occasionally run across it in specialty wine and spirits stores.