Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old
Cobblestone Brands · Sourced from Irish distilleries (Cooley, Bushmills)
Knappogue Castle 12 is the proving ground for Irish single malt itself. When Mark Edwin Andrews began bottling these whiskies in the 1960s, Irish whiskey was synonymous with blends, and the idea that Ireland could produce world-class single malts seemed improbable to most. This 12-year-old, triple-distilled and aged entirely in bourbon oak, demonstrates the quiet power of Irish malt at its most elegant: smooth without being simple, gentle without being hollow. It proved that patience and purity were all Irish whiskey ever needed. Cocktail — The Castle Sour: 2 oz Knappogue Castle 12, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz green apple syrup, 1 egg white. Dry shake, then shake with ice and strain into a coupe. Garnish with a thin apple slice. The whiskey's orchard fruit character shines through the frothy citrus.
Nose
Honeyed malt and fresh green apple, vanilla custard, light citrus zest, and a soft cereal sweetness. The nose is gentle and inviting, without a sharp edge anywhere — pure orchard fruit and grain.
Palate
Smooth and malt-forward on entry, with orchard fruits — green apple, ripe pear — giving way to vanilla, gentle baking spice, and a biscuity sweetness. The triple distillation delivers exceptional smoothness, allowing each flavor to emerge clearly without competing for attention.
Finish
Clean and understated, with lingering malt, light oak, a whisper of vanilla, and subtle fruit that fades gently. Whiskey
- Distillation
- Triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills
- Maturation
- Aged exclusively in bourbon oak casks for 12 years
Food Pairing
Smoked salmon on brown soda bread with dill cream cheese, where the whiskey's clean malt and gentle vanilla complement the delicate smoke and rich cream.
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