Knappogue Castle 16 Year Old Sherry Cask Finished Irish Whiskey
43% ABV (86 proof) | 750mL | 16 years: ~14 yrs ex-bourbon + 21 months Oloroso sherry — Knappogue Castle 16 Year Old is a triple-distilled single malt Irish whiskey distilled from Bushmills spirit in Northern Ireland: matured roughly 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels, then finished 21 months in Oloroso sherry casks seasoned for Knappogue Castle. Bottled non-chill filtered (caramel coloring added). Knappogue Castle is a brand, not a distillery — the name honors the 15th-century castle in County Clare. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
The sherry finish does the talking: toasted almond and dried apricot on the nose, a palate of honey, dark chocolate, orange peel, and warm oak spice, and a long, gently drying finish. Among Irish single malts at this age, it's a decorated one — Master at the Luxury Masters 2024, Gold at the Irish Whiskey Masters 2023, 93 points from Whisky Advocate. Neat in a tulip glass.
Tasting notes
Nose: toasted almond, dried apricot, honey. Palate: dark chocolate, orange peel, oak spice. Finish: long, gently drying. (Per Celtic Whiskey Shop fact sheet and press notes.)
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 43% ABV (86 proof) — 750mL
- 16-year-old triple-distilled single malt, distilled from Bushmills spirit
- ~14 years in ex-bourbon + 21 months Oloroso sherry cask finish; non-chill filtered
- Master — The Luxury Masters 2024; Gold — Irish Whiskey Masters 2023; 93 pts Whisky Advocate
- Knappogue Castle is a brand (bottled by Castle Brands), not a distillery
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat in a tulip glass at room temperature; a drop of water opens the sherry fruit. A sipping whiskey.
Frequently asked questions
Is Knappogue Castle a distillery?
No — it's a whiskey brand (bottled by Castle Brands) named for the 15th-century Knappogue Castle in County Clare; the 16 Year Old is distilled from Bushmills spirit.
How is the 16 Year Old finished?
About 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels, then 21 months in Oloroso sherry casks seasoned for the brand.
Is it chill filtered?
No — non-chill filtered (caramel coloring is added).