Whiskey Review: Dingle Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.

In the 1800’s, the coastline of Ireland was spotted with nearly 90 independent distilleries that contributed to the cherished industry of Irish-made whiskey. Over the next century, the country experienced economic downturn and political change that sadly led to the collapse of many historical distilleries. Those that managed to survive did so by coalescing, eventually leaving only three whiskey producers in all of Ireland by 1975.

In 2012, the great minds at Dingle Distillery set to change that by creating the first independent whiskey distillery to have established itself in Ireland for over 150 years. Three craft beer distillers came together to convert their operation at the Porterhouse Brewing Company (a space that historically held Ireland’s first brewpub) in an effort to resurrect the culture of artisanal distilling in Ireland. They crowd-funded the distillery, promising the people of Ireland an honorable product that would stay independent in its business and honest in its whiskey-making.

They appropriately titled their humble workshop ‘Dingle Distillery’ in honor of its magnificent location in the small town of Kerry, just off the coast of the Dingle Peninsula of Ireland. Today, the distillery is known for its historical prestige and artisanal practices in distillation of vodka, gin, and of course, whiskey. Dingle is dedicated to using high-end grains and a variety of casks for aging. The producers source their grain from over 50 farms across Ireland, working closely with the farmers to ensure consistency in their distillations. 

To taste a true expression of their beloved Irish-made whiskey, grab a bottle of their core release: Dingle Single Malt Irish Whiskey. The single malt is made with a mash bill of one single ingredient: pure malted barley. The distillery uses three different pot stills that are distinctly designed to create a uniquely Irish whiskey that is notably smooth and pure.

Once the spirit is cooked down in these stills, it is then rested in a combination of casks for finishing: Bourbon casks to create classic whiskey flavors like vanilla and toffee, and PX Sherry casks for sweetness and nuttiness. The whiskey is then left to mature for 6-7 years, soaking up the mild, moist influence of the maritime climate of the peninsula before being bottled and released in one, hugely-anticipated batch a year.

Between releases the remaining juice in these casks are individually married, only ever to be blended as a final product- another act by Dingle in dedication to releasing only high-end and meticulously-crafted whiskeys to the world. 

We review Dingle Single Malt Irish Whiskey, matured in ex-Bourbon (39%) and PX Sherry Casks (61%), for six – seven years. (image via Megan Alves/The Whiskey Wash)

Tasting Notes: Dingle Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Vital Stats: Dingle Single Malt Irish Whiskey is 46.35 alcohol by volume, aged 4-7 years, made with a mash bill of only malted barley.

Appearance: malty-gold and light in viscosity with rich orange hues

Nose: aromas of pine, a bit of chalky minerality, charcoal/smoke cut by sharp notes of citrus peel.

Palate: bright and light with a good amount of heat, notes of sweet toffee and the zest of a lemon before more wintery, pine flavors develop. Bright notes of evergreen spices and juniper berries are balanced by delicate notes of raw honey and ginger, and the finish leaves a pleasant oily wash that lingers on the palate and cuts the bite.