Best Drinking Friends Release No. 3 2018/2024
The Best Drinking Friends Release No. 3 dates back to 2018 and was bottled in 2024 - a fine period that has given the whisky enough time to develop. As an independent bottling, it has the typical character of an Irish whisky without being boring or predictable. The Great Northern distillery may not be the best-known address in the whisky world, but that is precisely what makes such discoveries so exciting.
Tasting Notes
Nose
After a little air contact, the flavour profile develops. Vanilla and honey emerge, followed by a lovely cereal sweetness that is typical of Irish whiskies. Pear and almond join in, creating an almost dessert-like composition. The freshness remains, but it is no longer distracting, but invigorating.
Palate
What was still a little hesitant on the nose unfolds into a true feast of sweetness on the palate. The whisky is almost sticky sweet - but in a very pleasant way. The vanilla dominates at first, accompanied by fresh apple and a creamy texture that really fills the mouth. The marzipan note that develops is particularly impressive. It's like biting into a fresh marzipan roll - sweet, nutty and incredibly delicious. The blossom honey is omnipresent and gives the whisky an almost meditative quality. There is also a slight maltiness that gives the whole thing structure and prevents it from becoming too monotonous.
Finish
The finish is medium-long and warming. The oak spice now comes into its own without becoming too dominant. There is a lovely balance of vanilla and light spice that stays with you long after the last sip
Thoughts
Marcel 77/100
A whisky that instantly wins you over with its sweet, almost sticky charm – it feels like a cozy chat with old friends. The marzipan and honey notes bring a smile to your face, even if the balance wobbles a bit at times. For anyone looking for an uncomplicated Irish whiskey, this is a genuine pleasure to drink with plenty of character.
Sascha 80/100
The Best Drinking Friends Release No. 3 impresses with its clear structure and the balanced interplay between sweet vanilla and nutty marzipan aromas, complemented by subtle oak spice in the finish. Despite its intensity, the whisky remains well controlled, though it shows minor imbalances here and there that keep it from being entirely flawless. A solid example of Irish distilling craftsmanship, particularly notable for its texture and depth.
Value for Money: Fair
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Why does the Best Drinking Friends Release No. 3 have such a high alcohol strength of 55.2%?
The high alcohol content of 55.2% is typical for many independent bottlings, which are often bottled either uncut or only lightly reduced. This approach preserves the aromas in a more intense and complex form, something especially appreciated by fans of robust whiskies.
How does the maturation from 2018 to 2024 influence the flavor of this whisky?
The six-year maturation at the Great Northern Distillery allows for a balanced development of flavors. Over this period, vanilla and honey notes mature, while the creamy texture and marzipan and malt nuances fully unfold without any dominant woody or overripe tones.
What sets this Irish whisky apart from more well-known brands from Ireland?
Unlike well-known Irish whiskies, the Best Drinking Friends Release No. 3 stands out through its independent bottling and origin from the lesser-known Great Northern Distillery, offering an unusually intense sweetness and complexity. Its almost dessert-like profile with marzipan and blossom honey makes it particularly exciting for explorers.