Stone Breaker – Irish & American Whiskey
Batch 8, Bottle 688
Proof: 92
Age: Blended – Approximate age 4 years
Distillery: Restless Spirit Distillery
Type: International (Irish) & American Whiskey
Mash: Unknown
Restless Spirit Distillery
*Disclaimer: A score of 5 is the midpoint for my reviews. Above 5 I like it. Below 5 I didn’t for some reason. Most of my reviews are between 4-7. It takes something really really special to go above 7 or below 4. See the methodologies for rating at the end of the article
Nose: Very sweet on the nose with notes of simple syrup and candied apples. You also get taffy and honey notes.
Taste/Palate: My first sip there was a distinct peat flavor. It wasn’t crazy like an Islay Scotch, but reminiscent of a Highland. After the initial “whiskey kiss” it really mellowed out on the second and third sip. The peat flavor faded away and it turned more sweet like honey on the palate. It is very smooth which I would expect out of an Irish style whiskey.
Finish: Short smooth finish. Nothing complex, but you do still get a tiny bit of the peat notes on the finish with more sweetness of candied fruits and honey again.
Verdict: I like Irish Whiskeys when I’m looking for something smooth to sip on and not looking for anything too complex. This dram was a little more complex than a standard Irish Whiskey and over all it was enjoyable. For the price its a good change of pace to keep on the bar shelf.
The Story: My friend is very big on Irish Whiskeys and knows that I enjoy them too. He visits me each year for a charity golf tournament and he always brings a bottle with him to try. This last year this is the bottle that he brought. I hadn’t heard anything about it before so I was going in on this with a fresh palate. (As a side note, my friend who supplied this bottle also did the Bourbon By Proxy logo work for me) If you need graphics work I can point you in the right direction.
The web page on this product doesn’t give too much information about the mash, blend, age , etc. I found in my google search of this product that it is a blend of Irish Whiskey (Teeling) and American Whiskey from Restless Distillery in Missouri. I haven’t been able to verify any of this information, but the imported Irish Whiskey would possibly explain the subtle peat flavor I pick up.
Methodologies for Rating:
1. Dump it down the drain or regift it to someone you don’t care for.
2. This doesn’t even belong in a mixed drink. Use in case of an emergency.
3. It’s really not for me, but I heard some people like it.
4. Its only good when I’ve had too many and it’s decent in a mixer.
5. Solid. It hit all of what’s expected.
6. Above average. Good to bring to an event and you wouldn’t expect any guff from it.
7. Buy two if you see it to make sure you have one on reserve.
8. Very Very good. Constantly a GREAT POUR.
9. Superb. If I were to drink this and only this from now on I’d be a happy person.
10. Perfection is impossible. But this really comes as close as you can possibly get.