Glendalough Double Barrel Review

Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 05:26 pm

Dive into this comprehensive review to uncover all the details about Glendalough Double Barrel, and find answers to all your related questions!

Reviewed by: J Highland

Glendalough Double Barrel: Sweet and Smooth Irish Dram (Great Value)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The Glendalough Double Barrel offers a delightful experience for those who enjoy a sweet and smooth Irish whiskey.

Rich Caramel Notes

This expression features a rich and satisfying flavor profile dominated by delicious caramel notes.

Warming Spice and Easy Finish

The finish is warming and pleasant, with a touch of subtle spice that lingers without overpowering the palate.

Tames the Youthful Note

A slight youthful character, common in younger whiskeys, is present initially. However, adding a splash of water or enjoying it on the rocks helps smooth it out.

More Than Average, Great Value

While not the most complex whiskey, the Glendalough Double Barrel delivers a taste profile that surpasses the average Irish whiskey in its category. Considering its price, it offers a great value for the money.

• Related: Top Affordable Irish Whiskeys Below $50
• Learn more: Glendalough Double Barrel Website

What’s unique about the Glendalough Double Barrel?

• Made from a mash bill of malted barley and corn distilled in Coffey stills.
• Aged for 3 years in flame-charred Bourbon barrels and finished for around 6 months in slow-toasted Oloroso Sherry barrels.

The Coffey still (aka Column Still) is a column variation of the traditional pot still which allows for continuous distillation rather than batch distillation

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Vanilla, malt, fudge
• Palate: Apple, caramel, ripe fruit
• Finish: Caramel, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 84 proof (42% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Redbreast 12

The nose presents a delightful sweetness, characterized by a touch of vanilla, accompanied by malt and a fudge undertone.

Glendalough impresses on the palate with its substantial body, surpassing the typical Irish Whiskey in terms of texture and satisfaction.

Its flavor profile is both smooth and sweet, with a prominent note of caramelized apple at the forefront, followed by a suggestion of ripe fruit.

The finish is of moderate length, offering a gentle warmth without overwhelming the senses while showcasing a blend of oak spice and caramel.

The addition of water refines the oak spice, resulting in a smoother, more delightful drinking experience.

How does the Glendalough Double Barrel 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
Glendalough	65
Sexton Single Malt	64
Paddy	64
Bushmills Red Bush	64
Jameson	63
Bushmills Original	60
Tullamore DEW	59

Better than the most famous Irish Whiskeys such as Jameson, Bushmills, and Tullamore DEW and on par with whiskeys such as Powers and Paddy.

And short of the Jameson Black Barrel and the Bushmills Peaky Blinders that I found to be surprisingly good given that celebrity-sponsored drams tend to be bad.

Frequently Asked Questions

A quick to address your inquiries:

Is it smoky?

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, Glendalough receives a perfect score of 0, signifying its absolute absence of smoke.

How to drink it?

• Add water: Adding water releases caramel notes while mellowing the warmth, making it more enjoyable.
• It can also be used for cocktails or Irish Coffee, but some may prefer using a cheaper whiskey for these purposes.

Awards & Accolades

• Double Gold Medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Gold Medal at the 2015 & 2017 Irish Whiskey Awards.

Alternatives

• Bushmills Black Bush: More affordable and considered better value, with a Scotch-like taste due to its malted barley content and aging in bourbon and sherry casks.

Price

• United States: $35
• Canada: $49
• Britain: £35
• Australia: $75
• Ireland: €37

Alcohol content

• It has an alcohol content of 84 proof (42% ABV), which is the norm among Irish Whiskey.

Aging

• It is a No Age Statement (NAS) whiskey, aged for 3 years in flame-charred Bourbon barrels and finished for around 6 months in slow-toasted Oloroso Sherry barrels.

Where is it made?

• The Glendalough Distillery is located in a glacial valley in the Wicklow mountains, about an hour away from Dublin.

Who owns it?

• Glendalough was founded by Barry Gallagher & Brian Fagan in 2011.
• In 2019, it was acquired by the Canada-based Mark Anthony Group of Companies.

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 to store?

• 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 Glendalough Double Barrel?

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.

Glendalough Double Barrel: Specs

Type of Whisky	Blend
Age statement	No
Proof	84
ABV	42%
Is it good?	Yes
Is it top-shelf?	No
Does it expire?	No
Sweet?	Yes
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