• Brand/Distillery: Cooley Distillery
• Region: Ireland
• Age Statement: 12 Years
• ABV: 40% ABV
• Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Golden amber with bright, honeyed hues.
• Nose: A delicate balance of soft, earthy peat smoke and sweet vanilla. Hints of honey, dried fruit, and toasted oak emerge, along with a touch of heather and spice.
• Palate: Rich and complex with a smooth malt sweetness upfront. Notes of honey, caramel, and orchard fruits (apples and pears) mingle with the gentle peat smoke, which is more refined than Islay-style peated whiskies. Subtle spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add depth.
• Mouthfeel: Silky and medium-bodied, with a well-rounded texture that coats the palate gently.
• Finish: Long and warming, with lingering peat smoke, honeyed sweetness, and a touch of oak spice. The smoke is never overpowering, allowing the whiskey’s natural malt character to shine through.

Food Pairings

• Smoked salmon on brown bread
• Aged cheddar or blue cheese
• Dark chocolate with sea salt
• Grilled lamb or barbecued meats
• Roasted nuts and honey-drizzled figs

Ideal Serving Suggestions

• Best Enjoyed: Neat or with a few drops of water to enhance complexity.
• Recommended Cocktail: Works well in a Peated Old Fashioned or a unique take on an Irish Coffee.

Overall Impression

• Connemara 12-Year-Old is a beautifully balanced peated Irish whiskey, offering a unique alternative to heavily peated Scotch whiskies. Its gentle, earthy smoke complements the rich malt sweetness, making it an approachable choice for those new to peated whiskey while still satisfying seasoned peat lovers. A fantastic example of Ireland’s ability to craft distinctive and flavorful single malts.