Writer’s Tears Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey (750ml) ($39.99)

Whisky Advocate: “Like the Writers Tears reviewed in this issue, this is from an independent company linked to renowned whiskey maker Bernard Walsh. It is described as of a style popular in James Joyce’s Dublin (hence the name). Grain whiskey was a no-no at that time, so this uses no grain and is a mix of malt and pot still whiskeys. For its price and strength it is amazing a big-hearted and full-flavored whiskey with an oily, apple-y pot still heart and cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper spices. (DS, Summer 2012)”

K&L Notes: The elusive Writer’s Tears Pot Still Irish Whiskey has been a darling of the whiskey cognoscenti for years. This unusual product from the Walsh Distillery in Carlow, Ireland has gained notoriety across the globe as one of the finest whiskies the Emerald Isle has to offer. It begins with single malt (likely distilled at Cooley Distillery in Louth) and single pot still whiskey (distilled at Midleton in County Cork), which are vatted together and aged in ex-bourbon casks. A true re-creation of a style of Irish whiskey not seen since the last century and named for the great Irish writers and playwrights of the 19th century who would have sought inspiration from a similar beverage in their time. The full-flavored, pure pot still whiskey and sweet floral single malt work magic together to create one of the most drinkable yet exciting whiskies of any kind. Lauded world-wide as one of the best whiskies available, it has been conspicuously unavailable in California until now. Winner of Gold Medals from the World Whiskies Award and listed on Ian Buxton’s 101 Whiskies to Try before You Die, and 93 points from Jim Murray’s “Whisky Bible”, Writer’s Tears is easily one of the highest ranking Irish Whiskey available at any price point. We’ve been lucky enough to grab an exclusive deal on the first few pallets to show up in CA, but don’t wait to try it as when it moves to normal distribution we’ll likely see a significant price increase.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 09, 2017

This should please people who are looking for an easy, soft and delicious whiskey. At first one smells beautiful and mouth watering vanilla aromas. In the mouth it is soft and easy with a creamy mouth feel.This is a fun whiskey to have for simple enjoyment.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 09, 2017

This elusive and quite wonderful little whiskey has been on constant request at the story for years. Actually, I’ve been telling people “No, sorry we can’t get that” every other week of so for over 7 years now! It’s one of those things that people fall in love with over there and don’t realize they can’t just pick it up when they get home. Well, the wait is finally over. This wonderful offering from the exceptional Walsh Distillery in County Carlow is easily one of the best values in Irish Whiskey. Hailing from Ireland’s historic east, this area is famous for whiskey and beer thanks to the incredible waters that bubble below the surface, but no large distillery has had a presence here for more than 100 years. In the 1800s, the Irish Whiskey industry was on fire. Consumption, production and exports, continued to break records despite social and political upheaval in Ireland. Funny thing about Irish Whiskey, because of the unique process of blending malted and un-malted barley and distilling in pot-stills, it was actually considered the top quality whiskey in the world pre-prohibition. That’s because then, and now, the majority of people didn’t want stinky peaty malty single malt from Scotland, but instead were looking for a whiskey that’s rich, smooth and easy to drink. Irish Whiskey was the best choice for most consumers before the controversial introduction of grian (column still) production in the 1830s.