| Rating | 93 |
| Style |
Irish Whiskey Whiskey |
| Produced In | Ireland |
| ABV | 47% |
| Availability | Limited |
| Price | $200.00 |
| Reviewed By | |
| Reviewed | 2026-03-10 |
Garavogue Irish Whiskey Review
This inaugural release from the Sazerac Company’s Hawk’s Rock Distillery immediately gives pause thanks to the high sticker price. Is Sazerac, the ballyhooed producers of Pappy Van Winkle, Weller, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, et al, yet again using their gravitational hype to gouge us on an Irish whiskey? But you’ll quickly put those thoughts to the side after trying it. This 20-year-old single malt (possibly sourced from Bushmills), aged for 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels before moving to muscat, sauternes, Pedro Ximénez sherry, and Barbadian rum casks, is truly outstanding. The blend creates something unusually complex, fruity and tropical on the nose and palate, with strong notes of pineapple and dried mangoes backed by hints of vanilla, baba au rhum, and a certain nuttiness. Bottled at 94 proof, higher than most Irish whiskeys are willing to go, this one-time, limited release will appeal to tater stans of Buffalo Trace bourbon, while remaining a distinct Irish whiskey.
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