Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 04:34 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.
Unearth all there is to know about the Tyrconnell Single Malt through this thorough review, where all your related questions will be answered!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Tyrconnell Single Malt: Solid Everyday Irish Whiskey (Good Value)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Tyrconnell Single Malt offers a dependable and easy-drinking Irish whiskey experience.
Straightforward but Enjoyable
While Tyrconnell might not have the most complex flavor profile, it’s a smooth and inoffensive dram. A touch of oak spice adds some character, which can be softened with a splash of water.
Value for Money
This whiskey stands out for its good value within its price range. Compared to other Irish whiskeys in this category, Tyrconnell delivers a pleasant drinking experience without breaking the bank.
A Touch of History
The whiskey’s backstory, honoring the legendary racehorse Tyrconnell, adds a touch of interest for any whiskey enthusiast.
Not a Showstopper, But Reliable
While Tyrconnell might not be your top choice to impress guests, it’s a solid everyday Irish whiskey that delivers good value for money and a nice backstory to share over drinks, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Irish Whiskeys under $50
- Learn more: Tyrconnell Website
What’s unique about it?
- Tyrconnell made solely from malted barley
- Distilled twice, not triple-distilled like most Irish Whiskeys
- Claims triple distillation robs whiskey of key flavors
- No age statement matured in bourbon barrels
How does it taste?
- 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: Connemara
The nose reveals an array of fruits, including lemon, orange, and pear, followed by subtle hints of vanilla and oak.
On the palate, Tyrconnell displays an oily texture, providing a satisfying mouthfeel.
The flavor profile offers notes of pineapple, along with orange, caramel, vanilla, and a touch of oak spice.
The finish lacks a bit of length, with some oak spice adding a mildly bitter element, but it’s not overpowering.
There’s a light caramel touch, and the whiskey leaves almost no 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 |
| Tyrconnell Single Malt | 70 |
| Jameson Black Barrel | 68 |
| Jameson | 63 |
| Bushmills Original | 60 |
| Tullamore DEW | 59 |
Way better than whiskeys like Jameson, Bushmills, or the Tullamore DEW are the most recognizable Irish Whiskeys, but short of the Writers’ Tears, Slane, and the Connemara that is crafted at the same distillery.
FAQ: Tyrconnell 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, the Tyrconnell receives a score of ZERO, indicating that it is entirely free of smoke.
How to drink it?
- Enjoy it neat: Adding a dash of water can release a hint of caramel, making it sweeter.
- Cocktail preference: While it lacks the punchy flavor suitable for cocktails, there are other options that may be preferred.
Awards & Accolades
- 2019: Single Malt under 12 years at the Irish Whiskey Awards.
Alternatives
- A preferred alternative is Connemara Peated Single Malt, crafted at the same distillery.
- It has a subtle smoky note that allows for the appreciation of other flavors.
- This can serve as a good introductory bottle to smoky whisky before exploring Scotch Whiskies from Islay, known for their strong smoke characteristics.
Pricing Guide
- United States: $41
- Canada: $50
- Britain: £32
- Australia: $79
- Ireland: €44
Alcohol content
- It has an alcohol content of 86 proof (43% ABV), higher than the average Irish Whiskey bottled at 80 proof.
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 Tyrconnell Single Malt?
- 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 to 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 Tyrconnell Single Malt?
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.
Tyrconnell Single Malt: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Single Malt |
| Age statement | No |
| Proof | 86 |
| ABV | 43% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Yes |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | No |
| 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 |