Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:10 am
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 the differences between Connemara vs Tyrconnell in this in-depth comparison and decide which Irish Whiskey is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Connemara vs Tyrconnell: Comparison
Connemara Peated: A unique Irish whiskey with a subtle smoky flavor paired with sweet notes of honey, peach, and plum. Offers an accessible introduction to peated whiskies with its mild smokiness and short finish.
Tyrconnell Single Malt: Features a bright, fruity profile with citrus and vanilla, leading to a smooth palate of pineapple, orange, and oak. The finish is short but pleasant, making it a great option for easy drinking or cocktails.
Verdict: Both Connemara Peated and Tyrconnell Single Malt showcase the diversity within Irish whiskey. Connemara offers a gentle introduction to peat for those curious about smoky whiskies, while Tyrconnell delights with its citrusy, smooth character. Each stands out for its approachability and distinct flavor profile, catering to different preferences without overwhelming the palate, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Irish Whiskeys under $50 Top Choices
Connemara Peated: A Subtly Smoky and Easy-Drinking Irish Whiskey
- Nose: Smoke, pear, apple, dried fruit
- Palate: Honey, malt, peach, plums
- Finish: Short, peat, caramel
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water, cocktails
- Similar to: Caol Ila 12
Intriguing Nose: Connemara Peated opens with an initial whiff of smoke, followed by fruity notes of pear, apple, and a hint of dried fruit.
Decent Body & Smoothness: The palate features a good mouthfeel with a pleasant smoothness.
Sweet & Smoky: The taste profile is predominantly sweet and smooth, featuring honey, peach, plums, malt, and subtle peat smoke.
Short Finish: The finish is somewhat short, offering lingering hints of peat and caramel with minimal warmth.
Subtle Smoke, Big Appeal: This Irish whiskey presents a unique character. While smoky, the peat influence plays a secondary role, allowing other sweet and fruity flavors to take center stage. It’s smooth, easy-drinking, and avoids the overwhelming smokiness found in some Islay whiskies.
A Gentler Smoky Option: Compared to intensely smoky Islays, Connemara Peated provides a more approachable and subtle smoke experience, similar to whiskies like Oban or Caol Ila.
Connemara Facts:
- Uniquely uses peat fires for barley drying, contributing to its smoky flavor profile.
- Made exclusively from malted barley.
- Undergoes double distillation, unlike most triple-distilled Irish whiskeys.
- Aged in bourbon barrels, though the exact age is not specified.
Tyrconnell Single Malt: Fruity and Easy-Drinking Irish Whiskey
- Nose: Lemon, orange, pear, vanilla, oak
- Palate: Pineapple, orange, vanilla, oak
- Finish: Oak spice, caramel
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water, cocktails
- Similar to: Jameson
Inviting Nose: Opens with a pleasant aroma of citrus fruits (lemon, orange, pear), alongside vanilla and oak notes.
Oily & Smooth: The palate boasts an oily texture, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable mouthfeel.
Fruity & Spicy: Flavors include pineapple, orange, caramel, vanilla, and a touch of oak spice.
Short Finish: The finish is slightly short, featuring mild oak spice, light caramel sweetness, and minimal warmth.
Easy-Drinking Value: This single malt offers a smooth and easy-drinking experience, with the oak spice becoming more manageable when adding water. It provides good value for money, exceeding the expectations of its price range when compared to other Irish whiskies.
Interesting Origins: Named after the legendary racehorse “Tyrconnell” who defied odds of 100 to 1 and won the prestigious Irish National Produce Stakes in 1876.
Tyrconnell Facts:
- Crafted exclusively from malted barley.
- Undergoes double distillation.
- Aged in bourbon barrels, though the exact age is not specified.
What do Connemara and Tyrconnell have in common?
- These whiskeys are crafted at the same Cooley Distillery on the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, Ireland.
- The Tyrconnell was previously made at the defunct Watt Distillery but it was acquired by Beam Suntory which in turn also owns the Connemara.
How do they differ?
- Connemara hits with peat and smoke while Tyrconnell lacks those notes.
- Connemara is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), while Tyrconnell is at 86 proof (43% ABV).
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Connemara Peated | $48 |
| Tyrconnell Single Malt | $41 |