Review: Boann Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Complete Lineup

Boann Distillery is a family-owned operation in Ireland, County Meath. It began running its stills in 2019, and now its first products are making their way to the U.S. — all single pot still Irish whiskey, each aged in a unique type of wine cask (though it’s unclear if this is complete aging or just finishing). No age statements are offered. (Note that Boann is also affiliated with The Whistler Irish whiskey line, though these are quite different products.)

We got all three of them to review. Thoughts follow.

Each is 94 proof.

Boann Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Madeira Cask Review

Expressive Madeira notes wholly dominate the nose of this whiskey, showcasing old, oxidized wine with a distinctly nutty character. It makes for a traditional but expressive whiskey, the focus entirely on that fortified wine character. The palate continues the theme with a winey attack that surprises with some smokiness, almost ashy at times. Again, the Madeira overwhelms everything, with sharp, oxidized notes butting up against a well-buried core of malty cereal grains. Some lingering spice notes make an impact on the finish, but these are quite tame. B+

Boann Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Marsala Cask Review

Marsala can be a divisive barrel type for whiskey, but here the very sharp fortified wine character shows how complementary it can be, given the right palette upon which to paint. The nose is rich and fruit-forward, certainly racy with sherry-adjacent citrus and spice, but never out of balance, with a heavy underpinning of malty cereal underneath. The palate is actually a bit softer than the nose would suggest, again with a fruity component that features green apples and fresh lemon juice, then evolving notes of almond and coconut. Quite creamy as it develops, culminating in a pinch of spice returning for the finish and a light savory note to conclude. A- 

Boann Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Pedro Ximenez Cask Review

We’re saving the big guns for last, and after pouring this into a glass, I’m happy I did. The intensity of PX is never far from view here, starting with a nose that is absolutely dripping with unctuous sherry notes that feature the powerfully nutty and almost coffee-like oxidized wine elements, then a tart cherry-driven fruitiness. Leave the whiskey sitting in glass for any length of time, however, and those rich, roasted nuts — dipped in maple syrup — wholly dominate. The palate offers few surprises, showcasing lots of sweetness evoking plump raisins and dried cherries. The body is thick and unctuous, but as it lingers on the palate the sweetness is tempered and a more brooding nuttiness comes into focus. Walnut is particularly strong, with a dusky hemp rope character lingering underneath. Sharp sherry notes cling to the sides of the palate as the finish hangs in there — racy, well-oxidized wine with echoes of raisin and prune. Delightful. A-

each $69 (700ml)

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