Strananhan’s Diamond Peak at 45% ABV), 100% malted barley, aged in American oak — at $79.99, the question is whether it delivers on its promise. I sat down with a pour to find out.
Nose
90 proof (45% ABV), 100% malted barley, aged in American oak barrels for two to seven years before the liquid is transferred to Bushmills Irish single malt whiskey casks, where it ages for up to four additional years. $79.99 MSRP. Batch 0004, bottle 0007 tasted for review. Denver, Colorado.
Palate
Light marigold yellow and slightly hazy.
Finish
Dried apricot, stewed stone fruit and banana, almost like someone has just ordered tableside bananas Foster and its just been flambeed. Dry and astringent at first, it then develops an oily mouthfeel and mellows into a long sweet finish, maintaining the fruit notes.
The Bottom Line
Strananhan’s Diamond Peak is a perfectly respectable whiskey that does what it sets out to do. At $79.99, the value is reasonable — it will not blow your mind, but it will not disappoint you either. A reliable choice.
