The Irishman Founder’s Reserve

So it’s my wife’s birthday weekend. And as the amazing, humble, great, extra humble husband that I am, I took her on a mini vacation here in Canada.

I’m so amazing, I even brought her back.

And humble.

As the day went on, and we continued our stroll, both contemplating how great I am at remembering a date and reacting to requests for celebration of that date, all the while enjoying the very thing I’m being congratulated for, my wife pointed out a small shop.

I, in all my glory, thinking she was being nice, wondered why she wanted to go into a place called Musikki Café. I mean, they had music, but not until later. And they had coffee, but neither of us drink coffee. And she was still full from all the rough sex and breakfast we had.

She, being the ever so patient one, pointed out they also noted a large whisky collection.

I have to give it to her (again). She sure knows how to point out me being incorrect, and I handle it with grace and poise and especially humility. So we go in for a dram.

Oh, and for me to lose at Chess in a graceful and humble way.

I decided I was feeling Irish, and not in that “fingering a ginger” kinda way. So I went for The Irishman Founder’s Reserve, as I’ve never had it, and a Founder Reserved it and never showed up for it, so I may as well drink it.

So, what is this? Well it’s made by the Walsh Whiskey Distillery Co., whom you may know for making Writers Tears, or you may not know once killed a yak at 1000 metres using only their mind (Citation Needed)

It’s a blend of 70% single malt and 30% single pot still whiskey. Triple distilled, as is typical in Irish whiskey, and aged in ex-bourbon casks for an indeterminate amount of time.

So, I like those odds. Sounds good. At least it’ll get me out of the sun that is burning my scalp.

Let’s see how it tastes, shall we?

Price: $54.35 (CAD) at the LCBO

Region: Ireland

Abv: 40%

Colour: 2.5Y 7/8

Nose: Cream, orange, mango, burnt wood, lime, pineapple

Nice nose, reminds me of a creamsicle, and being young, and then there’s a burnt wood aspect. Not really digging that.

Light nose on this one. They’ve lowered the Abv. enough and kept some nice, fruity notes, however in return they’ve lost some of the big, luster notes that I expect were originally here.

Or maybe got rid of some of the burnt wood notes.

Taste: Mango, orange, arugula, yeast, oil

More fruit, and more muted. More muted? Does that make sense? Can something be even more negative? Guess I should know, I’ve had rough days like that.

Yeast is nice here, oddly. Adds a balancing note to all of the sweet notes.

Finish: Pepper, lemon rind, bread dough, grassy, walnut

Yup, I mentioned pepper. Take a shot.

This ends with no fruit and all the typical characteristics of an Irish Whiskey. Which I think I’d be fine with if it gave me a hint that’s where we were going. Like one minute I’m going to the broccoli farm, and now I’m at the zoo. What the fuck?

Conclusion: All in all, a nice summer dram, and for the price, not too bad (note I live in Ontario and prices here are really pants on head retarded).

It’s smooth, sure, but it goes well with the heat, it’s nice and fruity, and all in all does what most entry level Irish’s do. Would I buy it? Not really, but I am interested in trying others from The Irishman.

73/100

World Whiskey review #152, Ireland review #26, Whiskey Network review #701