The Whistler Calvados Cask Finish Boann Distillery Irish Blended Whiskey 70 cl 43%

Apple orchards in Normandy, a river in Ireland, and a cask that has travelled between the two. In this bottle the Boyne Valley meets Pays d'Auge, and Irish whiskey picks up a soft, fruity polish from French apple brandy.

Expert description

The Whistler Calvados Cask Finish is an Irish Blended Whiskey finished in Calvados casks and bottled at 43%.

It comes from Boann Distillery in Drogheda, Co. Meath, a family-owned distillery in the Boyne Valley. The base is a blend of 35% Single Malt Whisky and 65% Grain Whisky, both matured for at least four years in ex-bourbon casks. The blend was then moved into ten-year-old French oak casks from Château du Breuil in Pays d'Auge, Normandy, where it rested for at least 15 months. The whiskey is triple distilled, non-chill filtered and carries no added colouring.

The cask does most of the talking. Apple and pear from the Calvados sit on top of the creamy vanilla left by the bourbon casks, and the malt keeps the whole thing from turning too sweet. The bottle belongs to The Whistler's Cask Finish Series, an annual limited release. It won Gold at the World Whiskies Awards 2020.

Tasting notes

Nose

Apple drops and fresh citrus zest up front, then creamy toffee. Further down come banana, apricot, melon and red raspberries.

Palate

Ripe peach leads, followed by pear and a bright citrus zest. The malt arrives from behind, with creamy vanilla underneath.

Finish

Long and creamy. Pear and citrus zest linger for a good while.

Specifications

Name: The Whistler Calvados Cask Finish
Distillery: Boann Distillery
Region/Country: Co. Meath, Ireland
Type: Irish Blended Whiskey
ABV: 43%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Ex-bourbon casks, finished in Calvados casks from Château du Breuil
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: Triple distilled
Edition: Cask Finish Series
EAN no.: 5391528252145

Flavour profile

Fruity · Creamy · Calvados-finished · Soft · Fresh

Did you know?

The brand is named after Pat Cooney, who whistles his way through the day at the distillery. That is why the box says "Sit and whistle a while" above the name, and why the back carries little musical notes.

See our full selection of Boann Distillery

Listen to our podcast:

Frequently asked questions about The Whistler Calvados Cask Finish

What does The Whistler Calvados Cask Finish taste like?

Fruity and creamy, with peach, pear and fresh citrus zest. The nose offers apple drops, toffee and red raspberries, and the finish is long and creamy. There is no smoke and no sharp edges.

What does Calvados Cask Finish mean?

It means the whiskey is fully matured first and then moved into casks that previously held Calvados before bottling. Here the blend spends at least 15 months in casks from Château du Breuil in Normandy after four years in ex-bourbon casks. The result is apple and pear on top of a creamy vanilla base.

Is The Whistler Calvados Cask Finish a Single Malt Whisky?

No, it is an Irish Blended Whiskey. The blend is 35% Single Malt Whisky and 65% Grain Whisky. The Grain Whisky gives the light, soft body, and the malt adds character.

How do you drink The Whistler Calvados Cask Finish?

Neat and at room temperature, so the apple and citrus have room to show. A whisky glass with a narrow opening gathers the aroma. For a lighter dram, add an ice cube. It works well with hard cheese, pork and apple desserts.

Is The Whistler Calvados Cask Finish a good gift?

Yes. It comes in a purple gift box, and the soft, fruity style suits people who do not drink whiskey that often. Store the bottle upright and out of the light.

Who makes The Whistler?

The Whistler is made by Boann Distillery in Drogheda, a family-owned distillery run by the Cooney family in the Boyne Valley. The distillery began distilling in 2019. The Calvados casks come from Château du Breuil in Pays d'Auge.