Talnua Distillery in Arvada is America’s first Single Pot Still Distillery. With deep roots in Irish tradition, the Single Pot Still Whiskey is a blend of Malted and Unmalted barley that has been crafted on the Island of Ireland for hundreds of years. The folks at Talnua take the traditions of Irish whiskey and craft an American whiskey that showcases what the State of Colorado is capable of creating, while staying true to the heritage of Irish Whiskey.
In the Bottle:
Mashbill:
A mix of Malted and Unmalted Barley.
Age:
Minimum 3 years in American Oak.
Proof:
100 Proof (50% ABV)
In the Glass:
Color:
Light, pale golden straw. Maybe a bronze tinge. It is clear, and leaves oily legs on the glass.
Neat:
Nose:
Cereal grains and vanilla come off the nose. There are chocolate notes that show up along with some sweet baked goods. Almost cinnamon roll but not as sweet.
Palate:
The first thing that came to mind was baked pie crust. The mouthfeel is oily and coating. A light fruit flavor compliments baking spices on the middle of the palate.
Finish:
Spiciness and dry oak come out on the finish, it is long, lingering, and warm. Nutmeg, baking spices, and some bitter dark chocolate.
With Water:
Nose:
Earthy and malt notes erupt, the chocolate comes through heavily as well. The vanilla notes faded a bit, and the nose is a little less sweet but the earthy malt is very inviting.
Palate:
Somehow a few drops of water makes the whiskey a bit more full of a mouthfeel. The malted barley gives a nice chocolate note, but there is a cereal, almost oat kind of note. The Baked Pie Crust is still an apt description.
Finish:
Dry and tannic, baked goods and nutmeg/allspice all come through for the finish. There is great dark chocolate notes still as well. It is a longer finish with the water as well, which was also surprising.
Final Thoughts:
Faugh a Ballagh-Clear the Way. Talnua is forging a path for a new style of whiskey to be crafted in the US, introducing a great new flavor to new people. Rooted in centuries old Irish tradition, but crafted right here in Colorado, The Olde Saint’s Keep is one of, if not the, best Irish-style American whiskies you can find , and you don’t have to go far to find it.
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