Tulip Whiskey Glass - A Knappogue Castle Tasting
Tulip Whiskey Glass & Knappogue Castle
Welcome to our glass and whiskey tasting series. The Tulip Style Whiskey Glass has become eponymous with cocktail culture and increasingly popular among home drammers. So what makes this glass so appealing?
Tulip Whiskey Glass - Background
This glass is based on the copita – the traditional Spanish glass used to sample sherry. It’s become the choice of master distillers, blenders and true whisky connoisseurs around the world. It was once named the ‘dock’ glass on account of its use by merchants who used it to nose wines and spirits at docksides. Its long stem prevents the drinker’s hand (and its polluting smells) from coming too close to the nose, while its bowl shape concentrates aromas through the slightly narrowed rim.
The glass can be easily cradled so the spirit can be warmed if desired. Overall, this is a glass suited to the true appreciation of the nuances of single malt whisky. And now it is time to taste something!
Tulip Whiskey Glass - A Tasting of Knappogue 14 Twin Wood Irish Single Malt
Named 'Twin Wood' because both Bourbon and Sherry cask types have been used for the maturation. It seems that the sherry casks have added to the body and depth and also brought some spice and dried fruit flavours.
Like most of the current Knappogue Castle whiskeys this was made using unpeated, triple distilled single malt whiskey from a Northern Irish distillery. Limited numbers were made of this whiskey and it is bottled un-chilfiltered and at 46%.
Nose
The typical orchard fruits/apple pie character of the malt is given depth with the use of Oloroso Sherry casks, in the form of fleshy fruit – plums and apricots. The bourbon cask influence appears as a sweet vanilla note which is in harmony with the biscuit-like aroma of the barley.
Palate
The nose sets up the expectation of a real mouthful of flavour, and it follows through. The body is rich and fruity; with hints of green apple with the zest of grapefruit. The malt helps to bring out the quality of the wood: sweet vanilla with light tannins from the charred oak.
Finish
Medium in length, going from full fruity notes to dry yet pleasant barley conclusion.