Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 06:49 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover everything to know about the Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Written by: J Highland
The Sexton Single Malt: A Spicy Twist on Irish Whiskey (Love It or Leave It)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
The Sexton Single Malt offers a unique flavor profile that departs from the typical smooth and mellow Irish whiskey experience.
Distinct Character:
This expression stands out with its bold aromas and flavors, featuring hints of orange and lime. It’s a good choice for those seeking an Irish whiskey with a bit more personality.
Spicy Side of Triple Distillation:
Despite being triple-distilled, a process known for smoothness, The Sexton offers a surprising warmth and spicier finish compared to other Irish whiskeys. This might be a welcome change for some, but unexpected for others.
A Love-It-or-Leave-It Dram:
The Sexton’s unique profile might not appeal to everyone. Some may enjoy the departure from the standard Irish whiskey taste, while others might prefer a smoother experience.
Room for Growth?
While enjoyable, some might wonder how an extended aging period could influence the overall flavor profile.
The Verdict:
The Sexton Single Malt is a conversation starter within the Irish whiskey category. Its unique character makes it worth trying, especially for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their whiskey. However, its distinctiveness might not be for everyone, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Best Budget Irish Whiskeys
- Learn More: Sexton Single Malt Website
What’s unique about the Sexton Single Malt?
The Sexton is a Single Malt Irish Whiskey crafted solely from malted barley.
It undergoes triple distillation in traditional copper pots.
Matured for approximately 4 years, with a significant portion aging in premium first-fill sherry casks.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Orange, lime, honey
- Palate: Caramel, grassy, lime, orange
- Finish: Malt, orange, lime
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Bushmills
The nose of Sexton is quite floral, deviating from the traditional whiskey profile, with prominent notes of orange, lime, and honey.
On the palate, it feels thin and lacks depth in texture.
The flavor begins with a caramel note but surprisingly offers more warmth than expected from its low 80-proof (40% ABV) bottling.
Following the caramel, there’s a presence of charred grass, giving way to a bitter undertone of orange and lime.
The finish is of moderate length, bringing some warmth and leaving a malty aftertaste with hints of orange and lime.
Adding water enhances the caramel notes while reducing the heat, making it a smoother option to enjoy.
How does the Sexton Single Malt rank?
These are my rankings:
| Whiskey | Rank |
| Redbreast 12 | 82 |
| Green Spot | 82 |
| Bushmills Peaky Blinders | 72 |
| Bushmills Black Bush | 68 |
| Jameson Black Barrel | 68 |
| Powers | 66 |
| Sexton Single Malt | 64 |
| Paddy | 64 |
| Bushmills Red Bush | 64 |
| Jameson | 63 |
| Bushmills Original | 60 |
| Tullamore DEW | 59 |
Ranks on par with the Paddy and the Red Bush and slightly better than whiskeys like Jameson, Bushmills, and the Tullamore DEW which is not of my liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
A quick FAQ to address your doubts:
How to drink it?
- Add ice (rocks) to tone down the heat and spice, making it more palatable.
- Works well in Old Fashioneds, adding warmth and spice for a more interesting cocktail.
Alternatives
- Black Bush and Black Barrel are safer bets.
- Black Bush has a Scotch-like taste, aged in bourbon and sherry casks, similar to Glenfiddich.
- Jameson Black Barrel offers a more robust flavor and appeals to bourbon drinkers.
Price
Prices are approximate and stated in local currency:
- United States: $25
- Canada: $50
- Britain: £32
- Australia: $75
- Ireland: €45
Alcohol content
- It is 80 proof (40% ABV), which is the norm among Irish Whiskey.
Aging
- There is no age statement (NAS).
- It is aged for around 4 years using a high proportion of first-fill sherry casks.
Where is Sexton Single Malt made, and who owns it?
- It is made at the Bushmills Distillery, which is the property of Mexico’s Jose Cuervo.
Is Bushmills the same as Sexton Single Malt?
- No, Bushmills is a blend of single malt whiskey and lighter grain whiskey, while Sexton is exclusively made from malted barley.
Does it expire?
- Alcohol doesn’t expire, but it is recommended to consume it once the content is down to 25% to avoid awkward notes.
How to store it?
- Store it in a cool place, away from sunlight, with the bottle upright and not in contact with the stopper.
Sexton Single Malt: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Blend |
| Age statement | No |
| Proof | 80 |
| ABV | 40% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Moderately |
| Warm? | A bit |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | Not the best |
| Good for cocktails? | Yes |
| Good with Coke? | No |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
| Kosher | No |