Back from a little break with a look at this affordable single malt Irish whiskey – The Sexton. Made from 100% Irish malted barley and triple distilled on the North Coast of Ireland (presumably Bushmills), the Sexton is matured for four years in ex-Oloroso sherry casks. For the $27.99 asking price, that’s a steal.

But how does it taste?

On the nose, a slight grassy note is helped along with dried fruit and almond. Not as much ‘green’ on the palate, thankfully. The sherry casks really come into play here, providing hints of berries, cloves, cocoa. There’s an undercurrent of sweet malt running through the entire palate. Not utterly complex, but what’s there is quite enjoyable. The finish maintains the fruit notes found in the palate, with the slightest touch of spice.

I didn’t know what to expect with this whiskey, given the price tag and young age. I’ve gotta say, it’s quite impressive. The sherry casks make up a large part of Sexton’s flavor profile, which means a fruity, nutty, and slightly sweet whiskey. Bonus points for the cool looking, hexagonal black bottle.

The Sexton touts itself as an everyday dram. I agree with that statement. A couple of fingers in a rocks glass (minus the rocks – we’re at 40% ABV here) is what this whiskey is made for. Recommended.

8/10

Thesexton.com

Thanks to The Sexton for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.