This week saw the release of a brand new whiskey to the market, James J. Fox Batch Number 1 Blended Irish Whiskey, and one that's gone on my list straight away.
Personally speaking, I don’t like to rate whiskeys as I think it's a little crass, especially as it's just one person's opinion.. and we know everyone has their own preferences etc! However, if I was scoring whiskeys, this one would be at the top end of the scale for me, it's absolutely beautiful drop of Whiskey, and a great entrance to the market from the guys at James J. Fox's⠀
For anyone not familiar with James Fox's, the Cigar & Whiskey Bonders have been on Dublin’s Grafton Street since 1881. A must visit establishment for any whiskey or cigar fan!
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This blend consists of 80% Re-Charred Grain, 10% Sherry Malt and 10% Peated Malt, the liquid being from the Great Northern Distillery.⠀
It's refreshing to see the transparency with provenance and blend proportions included on the labeling. ⠀
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The liquid itself is quite pale, containing no added colouring, which is a joy for Whiskey Geek like me. I was dying to open this as soon as it arrived, and the aroma was straight up pleasant and sweet. Lots of honey, caramel and a hint of peat. The taste is where this beauty shines, the sweetness of a lemon meringue alongside a toasted Malt creaminess, short spice and a beautiful gentle peat that finishes long & creamy with a little citrus.⠀⠀
Limited to just 1,000 Bottles, each bottle is numbered, and priced at €64.99 a bottle. This is well worth the money in my opinion, it's a very easy drinker with all the complexity you want from a "mid-range" whiskey. The subtle peatiness just works so, so well. Big kudos to the guys at James J. Fox for selecting this as their first bottling.⠀
ABV 46% | 70cl ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Heavy honey, creme brûlée, baked goods, hint of peat, pine spice, lemon meringue, rubber, white grapes, burnt marshmallow. Palate: Gentle peat, spice, soda bread/rye bread, toasted malt, lemon dessert. Finish: Long, spicy, dry yet creamy, fresh, citrus, malt bitterness towards end.
For more information on this, and portfolio, visit JamesFox.ie Slán go fóill,
Danny🥃