Irish

Irish Whiskey Review: Natterjack Blend No. 1

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Irish Whiskey Review: Natterjack Blend No. 1

Natterjack is named so after a type of toad. Distinctive and set apart by the yellow line that runs across its body, it is the only toad species that is native to Ireland and is a perfect way to represent a brand that also stands out from the crowd.

by Phil Dwyer
April 29, 2025

Phil Dwyer is a whisky enthusiast, YouTuber, and manager of The Whisky Shop Manchester, UK.

Tasting Notes:

About:

An art in classic Irish whiskey distillations with a focus on aging in an American way. Natterjack is named so after a type of toad. Distinctive and set apart by the yellow line that runs across its body, it is the only toad species that is native to Ireland and is a perfect way to represent a brand that also stands out from the crowd. This is Blend No. 1 – a combination of 20% malted barley and 80% corn, already quite different. Aged in ex-Bourbon casks and finished in virgin oak, it provides this whiskey with a rather strong American backbone with Irish flair in and around it.

Appearance:

Chardonnay

Nose:

Ginger biscuits, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, pecan pie, maple syrup and all-spice.

Palate:

Super easy drinking! A little hint of citrus with lemon and lime, ginger spices coming back into the mix, a touch of the corn element showing itself oof with some sweet sugariness and melted butter.

Finish:

Gently woody with a little bit of barrel char, then a surprise of fresh mint just at the end.

Comments:

A great introductory offering to any brand. You can see this being a default pick for both home drinkers and bartenders.

Having those classic vanilla and caramel notes of many Irish whiskeys but with a stronger presence of oak and warming spices from the virgin oak influences allow this to have a fair bit of depth for an intro product.

The ginger notes are fairly incredible on this, it’s almost as if you’ve got this pre-made ginger beer cocktail ready to go that’s spritzed with fresh lemon and lime. Those little sweet touches in the palate from the corn give the spiciness more character and depth, then you have this welcoming, gentle swell of oak and barrel char.

If you’re into Irish whiskey, American whiskey, or both, I can toadally…see this working for you across so many different occasions for wanting to pour something.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer's passion for whisky is undeniable. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil manages The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curates an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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