Cooley Distillery W.D. O'Connell 19 Years Old 144104 46% NV

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (87)

It says 'peat cask', so perhaps more in-cask blending, let's be careful… This was distilled at the Great Northern Distillery in Dundalk. Colour: white wine. Nose: asparagus, fresh bark, sunflower oil, salsify, peanut butter, whiffs of lady's night cream and suntan lotion, shea butter… Well, the peat is very discreet. Mouth: there it is. It's fine, it's more or less of HP-levels, or say between light Ardmore and HP. Other than that, and even if this is pretty perfect, I would have preferred to find a similar profile after that nose that I really enjoyed. Roots, smoke, charcoal, grapefruit… No, it's really good and the peat is gaining traction. No, it's really really good. No, it's excellent, the smokiness being pretty tidal (I know what I'm trying to say). Finish: sometimes you just don't want to know about how they make their whiskies, it's like wurst. Oh hell, it's excellent. Comments: as I said, while it feels rather ten than five.

BOW (89.50)

In the verdant landscapes of Ireland, where the whispering winds carry tales of tradition and craftsmanship, Cooley Distillery has been quietly producing exceptional Irish whiskey. Among its standout expressions, the Cooley Distillery W.D. O'Connell 19 Years Old, bottled in 2021 by the independent Irish bottler W.D. O'Connell, emerges as a testament to the harmonious marriage of time, cask selection, and expertise.

Distilled by Cooley in the year 2002 and bottled by W.D. O'Connell in 2021, this 19-year-old Single Malt Irish Whiskey is a journey through the meticulous maturation process. At a gentle 46% alcohol by volume, it invites enthusiasts to savor the nuances and complexities that have unfolded within the cask over almost two decades.

The magic of this expression lies not only in its age but also in its dual maturation on 1st fill bourbon and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. This carefully orchestrated dance between American oak and Spanish sherry wood imparts a depth of character that defines the Cooley Distillery W.D. O'Connell 19 Years Old. The bourbon cask contributes vanilla and oak notes, while the Pedro Ximénez sherry cask introduces a rich and sweet complexity.

Limited to a mere 348 bottles, each one becomes a precious artifact—a testament to the expertise and discernment of W.D. O'Connell. The selection of such a limited number of bottles underscores the rarity of this expression, making it a coveted addition to any Irish whiskey aficionado's collection.

Tasting Note:
- Nose: The Cooley Distillery W.D. O'Connell 19 Years Old entices with a bouquet of rich vanilla, dried fruits, and a hint of oak. The marriage of bourbon and sherry casks weaves a tapestry of aromas that promises a sensory journey.

- Taste: The palate unfolds with a symphony of flavors. Notes of honeyed malt, toffee, and dried fruits dance on the taste buds, creating a profile that is both indulgent and refined. The 46% ABV allows the flavors to shine without overwhelming the palate.

- Finish: The finish is a lingering embrace of warmth and sophistication. The influence of the Pedro Ximénez sherry cask becomes more pronounced, leaving a sweet and satisfying aftertaste.

In conclusion, the Cooley Distillery W.D. O'Connell 19 Years Old is not just a whiskey; it's a celebration of time, cask selection, and the mastery of both Cooley Distillery and W.D. O'Connell. For those fortunate enough to experience this limited release, it's an opportunity to savor the rich tapestry of Irish whiskey heritage—a journey through the years captured in a bottle.

Official tasting note (89.50)

Offical Tasting note:
This 19-year old single malt was initially matured in first-fill bourbon barrels, before we created a small batch that we aged for a further 24 months in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. The successor to last year’s PX 18, it has a rich cocoa nose with white pepper spices, raisings & toasted oak. This year, we brought the whiskey back down to a manageable 46%, and the result is outstanding. Limited to 348 bottles