Clonakilty Single Pot Still Batch 1 Review

Introduction I picked up Clonakilty Single Pot Still Batch 1 out of a curiosity for the growing number of new Irish distilleries producing their own spirit. I'd tasted some of Clonakilty’s earlier sourced releases, and while decent, they felt like a placeholder for what was to come. So when I heard Batch 1 of their own pot still distillate had been bottled, I wanted to see for myself how it measured up. Nose On the nose, the first thing I got was a clean grainy sweetness, similar to warm porridge with honey. There’s a little heat at first, which settles as the whisky opens up. Then comes the lightly fruity side — green apples, maybe a touch of underripe banana — and a mild floral quality. A bit of wood spice builds with time, leaning toward cinnamon and clove. It’s youthful, but not raw, which was reassuring. Palate Tasting it, the texture stood out immediately — it’s got that sturdy, slightly oily feel typical of pot still whiskey. There’s some tangy fruit up front, like stewed apple and white grape, followed by creamy vanilla and a firm note of toasted wood. The spices come through a bit stronger here: cracked pepper, nutmeg, and some ginger warmth. There’s complexity, though everything is still tight and energetic, not yet rounded with age. Finish The finish is medium in length, tapering gradually. I got lingering notes of dry oak and spice — the ginger and clove hang on a bit longer than the fruit or sweetness. There’s a light bitterness at the very end, like dark orange peel, which works well in contrast with the earlier creamier elements. It’s not the longest finish, but it doesn’t drop off abruptly either. Price and Value I paid around €65 for the bottle, which seems in line with other first-release, on-site distilled Irish bottlings. Considering Clonakilty is still building the core of its own reputation, I'd say the price is justified for the quality and the solid execution of this style. For a young whiskey, it’s not harsh or overly woody — and it avoids the pitfalls of over-compensation through cask trickery. Background This is the first release made entirely from Clonakilty’s own distillate, produced at their facility in County Cork. It’s a single pot still style — meaning it’s a mashbill of malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled in copper pot stills, in traditional Irish fashion. This batch was aged in a mix of ex-bourbon and STR (shaved, toasted, and re-charred) wine casks, before being vatted and bottled at 46% ABV without chill filtration. Clonakilty is part of a recent wave of smaller Irish distilleries making the transition from sourcing to distilling, and they’re also exploring local influences — such as maritime aging just a few hundred meters from the Atlantic. You can find more information about their operations on the Clonakilty Distillery website. Final Notes Would I buy this bottle again? I would — partly because I’m interested in how future batches evolve, but also because it genuinely holds its own among other modern pot still releases. Is it suitable for newcomers to Irish whiskey? Yes, though the spice and youthful edge mean it leans more towards intermediate drinkers than total beginners. I found it most enjoyable as a slow sipper in the evening, where I could focus on the way the flavors develop over time. If you’re wondering how it compares to others like Redbreast or Powers, I’d say it isn’t as smooth or rounded yet, but given its age and price point, it’s a promising start.