Egan’s 10-Year Old Irish Single Malt Review

Producer: Egan’s. Distiller: Cooley. ABV: 46%. Age: 10 years. Price: $55.

Egan’s Irish Single Malt caught my attention at an epic St. Patrick’s Day tasting hosted by Josh of The Whiskey Jug. Epic in this case meant about 60 bottles–all Irish–that Josh broke out for the occasion. It wasn’t easy to stand out in that crowd, but Egan’s did.

I learned more about the brand in a very pleasant chat with John Ralph, who launched Egan’s in 2014 (together with Mad March Hare Poitin, about which more soon) with a school friend named John Egan. Ralph brought 17 years in the booze business as a distributor and importer; Egan brought six generations of family distilling heritage.

To launch the single malt while their distilling was ramping up, the two chose the tried and true method of sourcing from the Cooley Distillery–where other young Irish brands like Hyde and The Quiet Man come from as well.

Not all of Cooley’s sourced malt is of equal quality, but what Egan’s got their hands on is first-rate.

The nose has that familiar coppery tang of Redbreast or Green Spot, then peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream. A little Chardonnay winey-ness late on. Substantial palate with golden raisins, candied lemon and lime, and mild white pepper. Great oily texture. Finish is vinous and drying with a pleasant hint of that winey bitterness from the nose.

Very satisfying. John Ralph tells me a no-age-statement malt and blended whiskey are on the way in the near future. Irish fans, be on the lookout.

Sláinte, friends! – BO

Egan’s graciously provided a sample for review. As always, our opinions are 100% our own.