Knappogue Castle 24 Year Old (Distilled 1997) Wind of Spices, Ex Libris / 54.4% / 0.7l

In 2021, La Maison du Whisky has launched the “Ex Libris” series, featuring whiskies from around the world. The selection is inspired by literature, with each edition bearing the title of a classic from the whisky’s country of origin.

The series was heralded by the 22-year-old Canadian Wiser's rye whisky and three Irish whiskeys released under the Knappogue Castle brand. The Knappogue Castle 24 years old presented here, released a year later, refers to a book of poetry published in the early 20th century by James Joyce, one of the most distinguished writers of the Emerald Isle. The whiskey, distilled in 1997, was aged in sherry cask no. 87601 and bottled at cask strength (54.4% abv) and without chill filtration in an edition of 526 bottles.

Nose: intense notes of sherry, cantaloupe, dried apricots, quince jam, honey-roasted almonds, cocoa powder, high-class cigar, notes of wax and forest floor.

Palate: hazelnuts, roasted almonds, chocolate-coated raisins, marzipan, blood oranges, mango, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and wonderfully woven oak.

Finish: very long, with notes of tropical fruits, roasted nuts and almonds, cinnamon, cloves, tobacco and oak.