Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a free sample to review by the party behind it. The Whiskey Wash, while appreciative of this, did keep full independent editorial control over this article.
I recently went to see the latest Johnny Depp flick, Black Mass. Spending a couple hours immersed in the storied underworld of 1980’s South Boston left me understandably thirsty. Luckily, my next review was coming due. Enter South Boston Irish Whiskey.
Distilled in Ireland and bottled in Boston by GrandTen Distilling, South Boston Irish Whiskey is bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) and is available at around the $30 price point. It’s the only whiskey in GrandTen’s product portfolio, which also includes vodka, gin, rum, and a number of fruit liqueurs.
The distillery is located – appropriately – in South Boston, inside a converted iron foundry once used to make guns, munitions, and wire. GrandTen provides very little information on the intimate details related to the manufacture of this product, other than the fact that it’s distilled in a copper pot still. I give them high marks on the aesthetics of this line: the bottle itself looks very nice.
Appearance: South Boston has a yellow-gold color with legs that retreat quickly down the side of a glass.
Nose: Midway through my time getting to know this whiskey, I came down with a severe cold. This is where the strong medicinal quality to the nose seemed most appropriate. Something beyond a mere solvent smell, the nose is quite reminiscent of a doctor’s office – not where I would personally prefer a whiskey to mentally transport me.
Palate: Malted barley is in the forefront, as one would expect from any Irish whiskey. There is a bite to the dram that is, again derivative of medicine, which is echoed once again in the thin mouth feel.
Finish: I found the finish to be quick with an aftertaste of orange peel. The burn of this whiskey is more concentrated at the front end of the experience.
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In the end, I felt Black Mass did not deliver a film worthy of the individual performances contained within. Sadly, this echoes my feelings regarding this particular whiskey. I would recommend this more for mixing than for casual sipping, which is why I give South Boston Irish Whiskey a score of 70.
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