Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Egan’s Irish Whiskey. 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 towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
There are so many variations of Irish whiskey in production that to pick a favorite would be a difficult task. There’s something about Irish whiskey that speaks to many consumers. Maybe it’s the drinkability, the subtle sweetness, or the charm of a historic industry – whatever the appeal, Irish whiskey is essential to many a liquor cabinet. Egan’s Irish Whiskey is a multi-generational brand established in 1852, with the fifth generation of Egan’s taking over in 2013, picking up the reins and reinvigorating the legacy with bold new statements.
Egan’s Irish Whiskey has released Egan’s Conviction, a new blend of single malt and single grain Irish whiskeys, aged 10 years and finished in XO Cognac barrels. Jonathan Egan says of the release, “‘Conviction’ is a word meant to extol the virtues not only of our heritage, but also of what we expect to accomplish in the future.” Egan’s Whiskey originated in Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland, where the enterprise house malts, brews, distills, and bottles their whiskeys.
There are specifications to classifying Cognac, a brandy distilled from white wine. Regulations state Cognacs must be made from nine specific grape varieties from the Cognac region, distilled in copper pot stills, and aged for a minimum of two years in oak casks. The purpose of finishing whiskey in Cognac casks comes down to flavor above all. A whiskey that is finished in Cognac casks is often infused with brandy flavors, sparking memories of holiday baking and warm fires.
Egan’s Conviction is my first taste of the brand, and, as a fan of Irish whiskey, I wish I was more impressed. The bottle design is stylish, and every instinct told me I’d love the product, but there was something missing for me. For a whiskey with a name like Conviction, I wish the spirit had a stronger point of view.
Tasting Notes: Egan’s Conviction Irish Whiskey
Vital Stats: Bottled at 46% ABV (92 Proof). SRP of $100/750 mL. Blend of single malt and single grain Irish whiskeys. Aged 10 years, finished in XO Cognac casks.
Appearance: Light straw color.
Nose: The scent of green apple and golden raisin, with fragrant grass and the greens of dandelion stems.
Palate: The whiskey is weak on the palate, sugar-forward, with some zesty notes of citrus. I didn’t get much from the Cognac cask finish. The body is light, and I could have used a more distinctive flavor profile.