Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Fighting 69th 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.
Founded with the motto “Gentle when Stroked, Fierce when provoked,” the Fighting 69th regiment has strong roots in American and Irish culture. Housed in America, this fighting regiment was comprised of Irish Americans and was established in 1849. Now, to honor this regiment, this imported Irish whiskey I’m reviewing pays homage to the soldiers that drew down under its name and donates back to its namesake with every purchase.
The Irish based whiskey that has taken up the name abides by the first portion of the motto by being a gentle and smooth entry into the Irish whiskey tradition. It is cultivated with an eye and taste for detail and allows the drinker to sit back and enjoy a buttery beverage with little pretension and an inviting palate.
I would put the quality inside this bottle between the sweetness of Jameson and the lovely balance of John L. Sullivan. While the triple distilled blend, conceived by Chris Leskowicz, is nice to drink, it does leave the enthusiast in the dark as to where the flavors are being pulled from. Even so, this is an excellent example of fine Irish whiskey.
Tasting Notes: Fighting 69th Irish Whiskey
Vital Stats: 80 proof; mash bill “combining superior quality barley and malted barley with pure Irish water; approximately $38 for 750 ML.
Appearance: Light blonde
Nose: There is hint of banana that greets you with the first sniff, followed by a more predominant citrus note. After that there is a soft caramel that swoops in finishing off a quite subtle nose.
Palate: This is a smooth easy drinker. It has a subtle heat that builds to a warm buzz. Its fruit forward front strikes a nice balance between its citrus and caramel flavors. There is a soft leathery quality in the middle and the back end delivers a hint of white pepper for a light bite.
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