Skellig Six18 Distillery 2024 Ruby Port Finish
The Skellig Six18 Distillery Exclusive 2024 Ruby Port Finish is definitely not your average Irish whiskey. At 6 years old and a proud 58.70 % vol., this Irish whisky comes with flavours that I have never experienced before. And I really mean that!
Tasting Notes
Nose
Irritatingly spicy is an understatement - this thing actually smells like pea protein! You know, those vegan mince substitutes from the supermarket. There are cloves, hazelnuts and mushrooms! As if someone had poured a forest hike in autumn into a bottle. Milk chocolate and roses are added to give the whole thing an almost surreal flavour.
Palate
The spicy notes from the nose continue and the meaty element is still there. There is also a cereal base that reminds us that we are actually dealing with an Irish whiskey here. But the highlight is the herbs. Massive, intense herbal notes that flood the entire palate. It's like walking through a herb garden. Nutty tones and a warming quality round off the whole thing.
Finish
The finish is long and spicy, with a slight bitterness that fits perfectly. Earthy notes come through - probably from the port finish - and there is a hint of chocolate at the end.
Thoughts
Marcel 82/100
This Skellig Six18 Ruby Port Finish is a bold outlier that will definitely divide opinions with its wild journey of flavors. If you're in the mood for a whisky with character, edges, and quirks, you’ll find an exciting experience here that’s fun and invites exploration – but smooth and easygoing it is not.
Sascha 82/100
The Skellig Six18 Distillery Exclusive 2024 Ruby Port Finish impresses with its complex spiciness and intense herbal profile, structurally well balanced. Despite unusual notes like pea protein, the whisky feels purposeful and displays a successful harmony between the port finish and the traditional Irish whiskey base.
Value for Money: Fair
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83/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ruby Port finish influence the taste of the Skellig Six18 Distillery Exclusive 2024?
The Ruby Port finish imparts an earthy note and a slight bitterness on the finish that harmonizes well with the spicy and nutty aromas. It also adds subtle fruity undertones that round out the whisky’s complex character.
Why does the Skellig Six18 Distillery Exclusive 2024 unusually smell of pea protein and mushrooms?
The unusual aromas like pea protein and mushrooms arise from the combination of special yeast strains and maturation in Ruby Port casks. These processes bring out spicy, vegetal notes reminiscent of an autumn forest walk, giving the whisky its unique complexity.
Is the Skellig Six18 Distillery Exclusive 2024 drinkable neat despite its high strength of 58.7% ABV?
Yes, the whisky is enjoyable neat thanks to its intense flavors and well-balanced structure. However, for beginners or those who want to soften the sharpness, a few drops of water are recommended to better open up the aromas.