“Gummi Bears, bouncing here and there and everywhere…” This is not only the chorus of an 80s TV show I loved to watch when I was a child, but it is also the first thing that came to my mind when I opened my bottle of this beautiful Irish Whiskey by Bavarian indie bottler Alambic Classique. The Irish Diamonds Small Batch No. 03 spent the last two years of its maturation in a Bordeaux Superior Wine Barrel and was bottled at cask strength with an ABV of 59%. Despite its high alcoholic content, this whiskey is very smooth and fruity. The combination of flavors I found in it is somewhat peculiar though: Besides citrus fruits and berries I also made out notes of wine gums and energy drinks. And to me, that is exactly what makes this whiskey so special and unique. I am extremely happy that I finally found my personal “Gummiberry Juice”.

by Aaron

Eye: Peachy, rusty red.
Nose: In the very first moment it almost seems as if you opened a pouch of wine gums rather than a bottle of Irish Whiskey. The wine barrel definitely left its mark here. Then there are extremely fruity notes of oranges, grapefruits and a twist of lime. In the background you might also find an aroma that reminds of energy drinks.
Palate: A wonderful cocktail of different fruits like oranges, berries and plums. But the wine gums are still there, too. Additionally, this very smooth whiskey also reveals notes of salted caramel, milk chocolate and sugared ginger sweets.
Finish: A warm, smooth and long finish with oranges and pepper.

Type: Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Region: Ireland
Aged: 12 Years
Cask: Finished in a Bordeaux wine barrel
Alc. volume: 59%
Bottle size: 0.7 litres
Price range: ~70.00 Euro
More info: http://www.alambic-classique.com/ (Bottler)