Whiskey Reviews

Lambay Island

They say taste is linked to memory and a single aroma can bring you back in time. Sitting here by the fire jotting down my notes on the flavour profile of this beautiful whiskey, straight away I’m transported back in time to my first tasting of this island aged whiskey. I was lucky enough to be invited to the official launch which took place in Dublin Bay out on the Irish Sea in full view of the majestic Lambay Island. The sea was rough that day, with the salty aroma from the sea spray in the air, this all added to the drama, the flavor and the excitement.

I was lucky enough to be invited to visit the Island this summer which was a dream come true. Having grown up in Portmarnock, North County Dublin, I have gazed out at this beautiful Island which has always been shrouded in mystery, wonder and beauty. On a second occasion I got to not only visit the island but see the seacask rooms where they are the whiskey, folllowing this I helped organsie Fingal Rowing Clubs “Lambay Rowing Challenge” which sees open water rowing crews circumnavigate Lambay Island, starting and finishing at Rush Sailing Club in Rogerstown Estuary. A mere distance of only 19km, not for the faint of heart.

Alexander Baring and his family hail from this peculiar paradise of Lambay Island, a mere three miles off the coast of Dublin. Lambay Island is a veritable odyssey of oddities, home to a herd of grazing cattle, an improbability of puffins and an even more improbable troupe of red-necked wallabies.

Lambay Single Malt Review

This single malt is a beautifully smooth yet complex whiskey. The whiskey is triple distilled and finished in French oak cognac casks from the legendary Camus family. Carefully selected casks have been exposed to the sea air and the maritime winds on Lambay Island. Due to its maturation on the island of Lambay only three miles from Dublin, the climate imparts subtle notes of salt, iodine and seaweed. This smooth single malt is a hit with The Whiskey Trail crew.

As soon as you pick up the glass those cognac tones pop beautifully. Floral notes and ripe bananas add intrigue to this unique whiskey. Add the light maritime breeze it appears to magically have and you have a layered yet complicated whiskey. On the palate the Camus cognac appears once again in quite an elegant manner. With the notes from the nose mingling gently with hints of coconut and wild Irish berries it leaves quite the poetic and lingering tone on the palate. This is a whiskey with glorious nose and palate. The long lingering length is also quite sublime, a must for an whiskey and cognac fans alike. Check out the story behind this delicious whiskey here.

Nose – Malt, green fruit, floral, ripe bananas.

Palate – Buttery malt, shortbread, Coconut and tropical dried berries/fruits

Finish – Long lasting malt with lingering sweetness and green fruits

Where to drink Lambay Irish Whiskey

Bowe’s Pub situated just a stone’s throw away from the famous Trinity College. It is a little hidden, half way down Fleet Street, with a dark red front and large clock sticking out from the wall, indicating to all it’s time for a dram.

By Paul Kavanagh

The Whiskey Trail – #EatDrinkExplore