In the glass, it appears light and golden with a very clean presentation. It is evident that no color has been added.
The nose is incredibly aromatic, sweet, and inviting, with notes of pineapple, creamy vanilla, coconut, and toasted pecans.
The taste is light, smooth, fresh, and fruity, with notes that closely mirror the aromas. On top of that, there’s a gentle, light smoky nuance – but nothing like the harsh smoke typical of Islay whiskies. Instead, it evokes a delicate Speyside-style smoke. Yes, I can’t help but compare it to those beloved Scottish whiskies!
The finish is short but pleasant… the notes of toasted pecans and soft smoke linger for a moment after sipping.
I must say that this whiskey leaves a strong first impression of Sliabh Liag Distillers. It’s what I imagine a smoky Pina Colada would taste like, and that is definitely a compliment!
The next one I’ll discuss is called "The Legendary Dark Silkie", and as the name suggests, it is a darker dram. The darker color is due to the inclusion of sherry casks in the aging process for this whiskey. The distillate and the level of smoke are reportedly the same as its predecessor, so the only real difference is the sherry cask.
You can clearly smell that this whiskey is closely related to its predecessor, with creamy vanilla notes and toasted pecan notes being prominent here as well, accompanied by ripe plums.
The taste offers rich, deep notes of dark chocolate, hazelnuts, and apricot with a delicate smoky touch.
The finish is relatively long and continues in the same vein as the initial taste, with chocolate and smoke combining beautifully.
I find the smoke to be slightly more pronounced in this sherry-based version of The Legendary Silkie, despite the smoke levels technically being the same. Additionally, the sherry cask adds a delightful chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the overall expression.
The final small bottle from Sliabh Liag takes the experience in a slightly different direction. It is named "The Midnight Silkie" and is reportedly more smoked than either of its predecessors. The cask aging has also taken its own path, utilizing brand-new oak barrels and Imperial Stout casks – an intriguing and exciting combination.
The color appears light and golden. I’m not sure I would be able to distinguish it from The Legendary Silkie with the naked eye.
However, I can tell the difference with the nose! This whiskey offers raw and rustic notes of smoke, licorice root, coffee, cocoa, and a touch of hops. Yes, we are firmly in Stout territory here!
The taste is deep, fresh, and full-bodied! Smoke plays a prominent role again, accompanied by a somewhat funky note that I can best describe as something reminiscent of papaya. Additionally, there is a lovely note of toasted coconut flakes.
The finish is the freshest element of this whiskey. I recognize a kind of "Irish freshness" that recurs in many drams from this region. The smoke and coffee notes also linger in the background, creating a pleasant and rounded conclusion.
I must say that it has been an enlightening and enjoyable experience to expand my horizons with these expressions from Sliabh Liag. Each of them has something different to offer, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I find room in my collection for a bottle or two from them.
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Sliabh Liag An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin is a truly unique gin that captures the essence of Donegal's coastline. It is crafted with a special blend of five locally harvested seaweed varieties, including sugar kelp, carrageen moss, and dulse, combined with traditional botanicals such as juniper, coriander, and cassia bark. This creates a fresh, coastal taste with a subtle balance of umami, herbal, and lightly salty notes, making it something truly special within the gin world.
The aroma offers hints of citrus, pepper, and a gentle maritime salinity, complemented by a floral, violet-like undertone. The taste is complex, featuring a combination of bright lemon, salted seaweed, and the warm spices of cassia bark. This creates a balanced yet powerful flavor profile. The finish is long-lasting with a warm conclusion, making the gin ideal for a classic Dry Martini or a gin and tonic with a twist of lemon that highlights its maritime character.
Sliabh Liag An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin comes in an elegant black bottle adorned with Celtic lettering and a wax seal, making it as visually striking as it is flavorful, offering an authentic taste of Donegal’s coastal heritage.
