Review: Dunville’s 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey
Named after the year the Dunvile’s story began, 1808 is an Irish whiskey blend combining malt, grain, and pot still whiskies. This particular expression was first released in 2021 when the distillery expanded its core range, and is bottled at 40% with no age statement.
Dunville’s 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey Review
The nose is soft and fairly straightforward. Vanilla, green apple, pear, and lemon peel are the main players, with some sweet maltiness sitting underneath, alongside a faint hint of smoke. So far, it’s a pleasant enough dram, but don’t expect layers of complexity.
The palate carries a creamy mouthfeel and is fairly easy-drinking, with lemon, orange, vanilla leading the way. There’s a slight peppery spice and a little char towards the back. The texture is decent, but it does feel a little thin once you start looking for more depth.
The medium-short finish features sweet spice, citrus, and a faint smoky note. Nothing unpleasant, but it disappears fairly quickly.
Overall, this whiskey is fresh, uncomplicated, and a great beginner’s dram. The combination of citrus, orchard fruit, vanilla, and that tiny bit of smoke makes it more interesting than your typical entry-level blend, but there’s certainly not enough weight or complexity here for me to call it an exceptional whiskey – and that’s fine, because it’s not trying to be one.
Where it works really well is as a casual pour or in a cocktail. It’s approachable enough for someone who’s new to whiskey, while still having enough character to stop it being completely forgettable.
Would I choose it over something more serious in the Dunville’s range? No, but again, that’s not what 1808 is trying to accomplish. Either way, my bottle will stay on my shelf and I’m sure the occasion for it will come around. An uncomplicated Irish blend — sometimes it’s exactly what you need!
80 proof.
C / $31
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