Taster

Nose: Lactic, sour milk and buttermilk. Then a grassy note (camomille and lemon grass).

Palate: Sweet but with a sour note. Buttery. Creamy cheese. Quite watery at midpalate. Gets fruity with water.

Finish: Soothing, nutty with a hint of spice.

Comment: That lactic note overwhelms nose and palate. Not sure that a dairy whiskey is something to look forward to! Surprisingly, a dash of water makes more palatable.

Score: 7.3

Taster

Nose: Intensely scented. Cut grass, green leaves, dried apple and a touch of peat. Young and oaky.

Palate: Lychee and soft fruits. Light almond note and fennel seed then nutmeg and oak. Mashed banana and light smoke. Balanced.

Finish: Gentle and smoked.

Comment: Proof if it were needed that Cooley is now really up and running. Atypical for an Irish whiskey insofar as it is peated (as Bushmills was 'til the 70s).

Score: 8