McConnell’s Irish Whisky Sherry Cask Finish Review: 'Dried Figs, Currants and Figs'

Irish actor Cillian Murphy is absolutely booming. After his role in the hit series Peaky Blinders he returns soon in the new Peaky Blinders. You know what else is be booming? McConnell’s whisky. Read our McConnell’s Irish Whisky Sherry Cask Finish Review here.

The first thing you notice when you pick up this bottle is that it’s an Irish whisky without the “e.” Yes, really. It’s even called out on the bottle. It literally says “What about the E,” followed by an explanation that they’re sticking to tradition. When the distillery was founded in 1776, “whisky” wasn’t spelled with an e. But does it really matter? In the end, it’s all about the taste!

This whisky hails from Belfast and spent five years maturing in first-fill bourbon casks before finishing in Oloroso sherry casks. That finishing touch brings out aromas of dried figs, dark chocolate, and spice that keep returning to the fore. Above all, it’s a very soft, approachable whisky with broad appeal.

Before you even nose it, you’re already enjoying the bottle. The labels have a slightly classic vibe, and when you read about origins dating back to 1776, you get the picture. This is one of those distilleries that was likely thriving once, then disappeared, like so many Irish outfits, and is now staging a comeback. It only adds to the intrigue, especially knowing how well Ireland is doing in the whisky world.

When it comes to design, McConnell's Irish Whisky has delivered a gorgeous bottle. It’s not like most other spirits bottles. With a ridged base and a few striking breaks in the design, it looks incredibly attractive. It still feels a touch classic, just like the label. Just below the neck sits a metal emblem bearing the name of the founders, J&J McConnell. And the stopper carries an important Irish emblem: the Harp of Erin.

The nose is instantly captivating. What are you smelling? Caramel, perhaps? The sherry sweetness certainly stands out, but there’s also an immediate hit of red fruit and chocolate. At first there’s a hard-to-place note drifting into the nostrils, leather, as it turns out. It’s exciting: a whisky that carries familiar aromas yet still feels a touch different from what you might expect.

The first sip goes down remarkably easily. This isn’t a challenging whisky, but it’s not too easy either. The palate opens sweet, with clear fruit notes that tickle the tongue, followed by chocolate and a hint of pepper. What stands out is how the whisky starts off very gentle on the tongue, then turns a little livelier and finishes longer than you’d expect.

Distinct spices come forward to shake your hand. A good sign, because it shows McConnell’s Irish Whisky Sherry Cask Finish revealing its true character. It’s like saying: I’m made for everyone, but there’s no other quite like me. This whisky sits at a medium level of complexity.

In short, this is an excellent choice if you want a gentle water of life that still surprises you in subtle ways. The first sip is sweet and inviting, then turns a bit spicier, leading into a medium-length finish. McConnell’s comeback is underway, and that’s something to raise a glass to. Slainte mhath!

+ The bottle’s detailing is fantastic

+ Opens sweet and enticing, yet more complex than expected

+ Excellent value

- Not for those seeking a highly complex whisky