DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition
The Clonakilty Pot Still is an Irish single pot still whisky known for its fruit-forward sweetness, gentle spice, and smooth finish. Based on over 100 tasting notes from DRAM1 Award panel members, this review consolidates the whisky’s aroma, taste, finish, and overall impressions, highlighting both its strengths and its subtler limitations.
Stats
- Distillery: Clonakilty
- Region: Ireland
- Whisky Type: Single Pot Still
- ABV: 46% (92 Proof)
Tasting Notes Clonakilty Pot Still
Nose
The nose of Clonakilty Pot Still is sweet and inviting, offering bitterkoekjes pudding, marzipan, candied fruit, vanilla, and caramel. Panelists also identified:
- Fruit notes: pear, apple, apricot, cherries
- Baking and dessert aromas: almond, shortbread, and lightly spiced pastries
- Subtle herbal and floral hints: gentle mint, geranium, and light hay
- Occasional earthy or maritime nuances: wet hay, rooty aromas, faint smoke or medicinal touches
Some tasters noted lightly sharp alcohol or young spirit notes, but overall the nose is pleasant, soft, and approachable, promising a sweet and slightly complex dram.
Palate
On the palate, Clonakilty Pot Still is smooth, round, and moderately sweet, with a nice balance between fruit, spice, and light oak. Key observations include:
- Fruit-forward: pear, apple, apricot, cherry, and subtle tropical hints
- Sweetness: vanilla, caramel, honey, and buttery notes
- Spice and warmth: gentle white pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and fennel
- Nutty and earthy tones: almond, pistachio, and soft cocoa notes
- Light maritime or grassy hints, adding a touch of complexity
While approachable and enjoyable, a few tasters found the whisky slightly thin or not as layered as expected, and alcoholic sharpness was occasionally noted.
Finish
The finish is medium in length, smooth, and lightly spiced:
- Lingering fruit sweetness: pears, apples, cherries
- Subtle spice and vanilla
- Hints of caramel, nut, and mild sherry influence
- Occasional faint bitterness or alcohol warmth
Panelists noted that while the finish does not linger excessively, it leaves a pleasant, sweet-spiced impression.
Food Pairing
Clonakilty Pot Still’s fruit-forward, lightly spiced profile pairs well with:
- Desserts: almond tart, caramel pudding, fruitcakes, or vanilla-based treats
- Cheeses: mild or semi-soft cheeses like Brie or young Cheddar
- Nuts and chocolate: roasted almonds, pistachios, dark chocolate with dried fruit
- Lightly spiced dishes: subtly sweet glazes on poultry or pork
- Fruity snacks: pear or apple slices with a drizzle of honey
These pairings highlight the whisky’s natural sweetness while complementing its gentle spice.
Verdict
Strengths
- Sweet and approachable: rich in fruit, vanilla, and caramel notes.
- Balanced and smooth: mild spice and gentle oak make it easy to sip.
- Pleasantly complex nose: marzipan, candied fruit, and baked notes are engaging.
- Medium-length finish: sweet and spiced without being overwhelming.
- Versatile: works well as a sipping whisky or with desserts.
Weaknesses
- Slightly thin or simple: the palate may lack depth compared to other pot still expressions.
- Occasional sharpness: higher ABV notes may come through on first sips.
- Finish not very long: subtle, but could be longer for a more lingering impression.
- Not overly adventurous: may feel conservative for those seeking bold, smoky, or heavily sherried flavours.
Final Thoughts
The Clonakilty Pot Still is a pleasantly sweet, fruit-forward Irish whisky with approachable spice, gentle oak, and subtle complexity. The DRAM1 panel’s 100+ tasting responses highlight its marzipan, caramel, and fruity notes, combined with a medium-length, lightly spiced finish.
Ideal for sipping neat, pairing with desserts, or enjoying on a casual evening, Clonakilty Pot Still demonstrates the charm of Irish pot still whisky: smooth, balanced, and friendly. While it may not be the most daring dram in terms of complexity or length, it is reliable, enjoyable, and versatile, making it a worthy addition to any whisky collection.
