As with all six of the Bluebell Forest bottlings, this whiskey was finished in Virgin Irish Oak barrels made from wood cut from a single tree in the Bluebell Forest at Castle Blunden Estate near Kilkenny. The nose has notes of pencil shavings, honey, plums, blackberries, and a hint of brandy. The taste is thick and mouthcoating with great pot still spices of clove, black pepper, and allspice balanced by honey, caramel candy, and blackberries in the background. There’s a hint of anise that develops late and sticks around through the long finish with lingering spices, honey, and a soft hint of oak. Wow! (March, 2018)