FIRST SIP: Tyrconnell 10 Madeira Cask

The Tyrconnell hails from the Kilbeggan Distilling Company in Co. Westmeath, about an hour west of Dublin. (Photo courtesy of Kilbeggan Distillery.)

There are three different cask finishes of The Tyrconnell 10--Madeira, Port & Sherry. The Madeira is our favorite.

The Tyrconnell's racehorse heritage is the major element of the company's brand. (Photo courtesy of Kilbeggan Distillery.)

Tyrconnell is a 19th century brand that has been resurrected by Kilbeggan Distilling Co., now owned by Beam Suntory. The story goes that a distiller named Andrew A. Watt watched an underdog racehorse named Tyrconnell surprise the crowd by winning a big race in 1876. Watt was so inspired that he created a whiskey to commemorate the occasion, which he called The Tyrconnell. 

The Tyrconnell 10 Single Malt reminds us of single malt Scotch, perhaps a Macallan 12. The Madeira cask finishing gives it a pleasant aroma as well as a rich warm texture thanks to the fortified Portuguese wine casks. It's a touch sweet without being too sweet--we detect notes of chocolatey spice, as well as candy apple.

The Tyrconnell 10 Madeira Cask Finish retails for $90 although it frequently can be found for about $60.

The Tyrconnell 10 Madeira Cask Finish: 

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