Connemara Peated Single Malt Review

Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 04:29 pm

Discover everything about the Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!

Reviewed by: J Highland

Connemara: A Gently Peated Irish Gem (For Peat Curious)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Connemara offers a unique twist on the world of peated whiskey. Here’s why it stands out:

• Sweet Smoke, Not Smoke Monster: Unlike some heavily peated Scotch whiskies like Ardbeg or Lagavulin, Connemara features a gentler peaty influence. Sweetness takes center stage, with smoke playing a supporting role.
• Easy to Enjoy, Even for Peat Novices: This balanced approach makes Connemara a good choice for those curious about peated whiskey but intimidated by overpowering smoke.
• A Great Alternative to Islay Malts: If you’re looking for a smoky dram beyond Scotland, Connemara is a strong contender. It offers a distinct Irish personality with a touch of smoke.
• Competent and Smooth: Connemara may not be groundbreaking, but it delivers a well-crafted and enjoyable drinking experience.

In Conclusion:

Connemara is a great choice for those who want to explore peated whiskey in a more approachable way. Its gentle smokiness and focus on sweetness make it a smooth and enjoyable dram, even for non-peat enthusiasts, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

• Related: Best Irish Whiskey Picks under $50
• Learn more: Connemara Website

What’s unique about Connemara Peated Single Malt?

• Connemara is unique among Irish Whiskey as it dries the barley using peat fires providing a smoky flavor.
• It is made exclusively from malted barley.
• Only distilled twice contrasting with most Irish Whiskeys that are triple-distilled.
• The distillery claims that the additional distillation robs the whiskey of key flavors.
• Does not provide an age statement but is matured in bourbon barrels.

How does it taste?

• 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: Oban 14

Initially, the nose reveals a veil of smoke, followed by fruity hints of pear and apple, accompanied by a subtle nuance of dried fruit.

On the palate, Connemara impresses with a respectable body, delivering a pleasant mouthfeel.

The first sip offers a smooth and sweet experience, with notes of honey, peach, and plums, complemented by the presence of malt and peat.

However, the finish falls slightly short in length, showcasing peat and caramel notes, with minimal warmth as it goes down.

How does it rank?

These are my rankings:

Whiskey	Rank
Redbreast 12	82
Green Spot	82
Connemara Peated Single Malt	77
Slane Triple Cask	76
Writers’ Tear Copper Pot	76
Bushmills Peaky Blinders	72
Jameson Black Barrel	68
Jameson	63
Bushmills Original	60
Tullamore DEW	59

This is a competent mid-shelf pour, better than the average Irish Whiskey and entirely better than whiskeys like Jameson, Bushmills, and the Tullamore DEW.

FAQ: Connemara Peated Single Malt Whiskey

A quick FAQ to address your doubts:

Is it smoky?

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, Connemara achieves a score of 2, indicating a mild presence of smoke.

How to drink it?

• Enjoy it neat: It is enjoyable as is, but adding a dash of water can release a hint of caramel, making it sweeter.
• Cocktail preference: While it lacks the punchy flavor of the whiskeys used for cocktails, some may prefer other options for mixing.

Awards & Accolades

• 2010: Gold Medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).
• 2012: Gold Medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).
• 2008: Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• 2009: Best Irish Single Malt at the World Whisky Awards.
• 2009: Gold Medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).

Alternatives

• Given the scarcity of smoky whiskies in Ireland, the best alternative for a peated whiskey would be something from Scotland.
• A good option at this price range could be Laphroaig, known for its strong smoke and peat flavors.

Pricing Guide

• United States: $43
• Canada: $65
• Britain: £37
• Australia: $94
• Ireland: €44

Alcohol content

• It has an alcohol content of 80 proof (40% ABV), which is the norm among Irish Whiskey.

Aging

• It does not provide an age statement (NAS), so the exact aging period is not specified.

Where is it made?

• It is crafted at the Cooley Distillery on the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, Ireland.

Who owns it?

• This brand is owned by Beam Suntory, which also holds brands like Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam, among several others.

Does it expire?

• No, alcohol doesn’t expire. It will last for years as long as you store it in a cool place away from sunlight.
• However, it’s recommended to drink it once the content is down to 25% as liquors may develop awkward notes beyond this level.

How should I store it?

• Store it in a cool place away from sunlight and keep the bottle upright without coming into contact with the stopper.

How did I review the Connemara Peated?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.

Connemara Peated Single Malt: Specs

Type of Whisky	Single Malt
Age statement	No
Proof	80
ABV	40%
Is it good?	Yes
Is it top-shelf?	No
Does it expire?	No
Sweet?	Yes
Warm?	No
Peaty?	Lightly
Good for beginners?	Not the best
Good for cocktails?	Not the best
Good with Coke?	No
Calories per shot	108
Gluten-free	Yes
Keto-friendly	Yes
Kosher	Yes