Artful Dodger is a young bottler but they’ve managed to impress a couple of times already. Here’s an Irish single malt 2002, one of their latest releases.
Irish single malt 15 yo 2002 (57,9%, Artful Dodger 2019, ex-bourbon cask #346, 291 btl.)
Irish single malt 15 yo 2002 (57,9%, Artful Dodger 2019, ex-bourbon cask #346, 291 btl.)Nose: a whole range of yellow fruits. Mirabelles, bananas, pears and greengages. Sometimes a bit fresher, sometimes more syrupy. A little honey. Light wood spice and soft green notes, like ferns and grass.
Mouth: quite vivid. There’s a similar fruitiness (Poire Williams, plums, melons) with more greenness now. Apple peels. Herbs, menthol, a slightly bitter, grassy edge. Floral touches too. A bit hot, water helps to bring out more banana and vanilla.
Finish: medium, fruity, half sweet, half grassy. Some white pepper.
A nice Irish malt that benefits from a bit of water. Bright fruits with a greenish side. Available from The Whisky Exchange.
Score: 86/100