Waterford Peated Single Farm Ballybannon Harvest 2017 at 50% ABV — the question is whether it delivers on its promise. I sat down with a pour to find out.
Palate
While it is more peated than its sister bottling, the Ballybannon harvests increased smokiness balances out the pungency of the peat. While the flavors arent varied, I found the grainy taste to be an excellent compliment to the smoke and peat. It doesnt deliver the smokey kick of some peated whisky, but it shows how peat and smoke can be used with subtlety to deliver a high-quality sip.
Finish
The smokiness of the peat is strong enough to contend with the mossy flavor, which preserves the grainy notes of the barley. Theres a lightness and freshness to the taste, in pleasant contrast to the smoke and peat. The mouth feel is smooth. Only a hint of smoke stays for a finish of fresh bran and clover honey. Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
The Bottom Line
Waterford Peated Single Farm Ballybannon Harvest 2017 delivers the goods. It is well-made, genuinely enjoyable, and represents solid value for what you are getting. I would happily buy this again.
