Tasting Notes for March 22, 2013 Holly Hill Inn Menu

Around the World in 80 Days • Dublin, Ireland 1872 • Bourbon & Cocktail Flight

1st 

Jameson

Irish Whiskey. Blend of malted barley (column still) green barley (pot still) whiskeys. 40% ABV. No age statement. 

Jameson is the #1 selling Irish whiskey in the world and very often the #1 selling whiskey in any category (it flirts with that title with Jack Daniel’s). In 1870 it was already well on its way to that title being the second largest brand in Ireland producing nearly 1,000,000 gallons annually.

Nose is floral, citrusy and slightly sweet. Taste is light, moderately sweet with strong malt and grains. Finish is short with cinnamon, vanilla and grass.

2nd

Bushmills 10 Year Old

Single Malt Irish Whiskey. 40% ABV.

Probably the second most well-known Irish whiskey and nearly the size of Jameson. A single malt style Irish whiskey aged for 10 years in American oak casks (mostly ex-bourbon).

Nose is light with floral, citrus and cinnamon notes. Taste is slightly sweet with mild grains, some caramel, vanilla and chocolate. Finish is medium length, crisp and grassy with lingering notes of vanilla and cinnamon.

3rd

Giants’ Gate Cocktail

Adapted from the original recipe by renowned bartender Max La Rocca.

Recipe: In mason jar, gently muddle 2 cardamom pods. Add 1 1/3 oz Bushmills, 1/3 oz lime juice, 2/3 oz simple syrup and 2/3 oz Guinness Stout and shake over ice. Double strain into a cocktail glass. Perfume with 6 spritzes Guinness Stout and garnish with a skewer of whiskey-soaked raisins.

Taste is rich, creamy and slightly spicy. The citrus contrasts the sweet notes without overwhelming. Easy to savor and easy to drink. A perfect match to either the apple cake or the bread pudding.

Guinness Extra Stout (Alternate for non-cocktail drinkers)

Dry stout style beer. 5% ABV. 12 oz bottle.

This is the most popular alcoholic drink in Ireland currently and the brewery is one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Taste is rich, creamy and thick. Finish is creamy and very long with complex spice notes, vanilla, chocolate and malt.