I quite like the look of this bottle of whisky; the bottle itself has got a nice heft to it, and it features a small brass emblem that’s set into the glass which I think adds a nice touch of charm and craftsmanship to the bottle’s design.
The brass emblem reads, “J & J Mc Connell, Belfast, Established 1776,” drawing attention to the brand’s age and long-standing history of whisky-making. Even though McConnell’s Irish Whisky is one of the oldest whisky brands in Ireland, the brand actually disappeared in the 1950s.
At one point in the late 1800s, Ireland had close to 30 operational distilleries. However, during this period in the mid-1900s a vast number of Irish distilleries and Irish whiskey brands shut down or were absorbed by larger companies due to the number of economic and political challenges facing the industry at the time. As a result, the original McConnell’s distillery and brand lay dormant for several decades, and it was only fairly recently revived in 2020. Since 1990, Irish whiskey has been on the rise again, and today the current number of operational distilleries in Ireland exceeds 30 (with more under development).
Perhaps the most striking feature of this bottle of whisky is the spelling of the word “whisk(e)y”. Ordinarily, most Irish whiskeys you’ll find spell “whiskey” with an “e” – but McConnell’s Irish Whisky is conspicuously missing that “e”.
Today, the spelling of the word whisk(e)y can serve as a quick identifier of the origin of the spirit in question: if it’s spelled “whiskey” it’s from Ireland, or the United States; and if it’s spelled whisky it’s from Scotland, but also Japan, Canada, and most other whisky-producing countries – although you can be sure to find a couple of exceptions out there (America’s Maker’s Mark spells “whisky” without the “e”, for example).
Nowadays Scotland is often regarded (rightly or wrongly) as the pinnacle of whisky-making, and this is arguably why so many countries that have taken to whisky-making have chosen to follow the Scottish spelling of the word “whisky” – but this wasn’t always the case. It’s generally accepted that the difference in spelling originally came about during the 19thcentury because the Irish wanted to distinguish themselves from the whisky Scotland was producing, which they considered to be of inferior quality at the time. They changed the spelling and added the “e” to the word “whiskey” to help set their own product apart. The United States was then said to have inherited their spelling convention from Irish immigrants.
McConnell’s Irish Whisky, then, is one of those interesting exceptions to the usual spelling convention. They state on the bottle that the spelling of whisky without the “e” is a deliberate decision on their part in order to keep with the spelling of the original brand. When the brand was established in 1776, the “e” hadn’t yet been introduced to the spelling of Irish whiskey.
This 5-year-old whisky from McConnell’s is a blend of both Irish malt whiskies and Irish grain whiskies, aged in ex-bourbon casks, and bottled at 42% ABV. I’d say it’s very affordable, as I can usually find a bottle for around $28 (which is just a little more expensive than Glenmorangie X). This particular whisky was actually sourced from the Great Northern Distillery, but the new McConnell’s Irish Whisky Distillery is now up and running, having opened its doors earlier this year. The distillery is located in Belfast, where the brand was originally established in 1776. The distillery plans to focus on producing whisky on-site, and already offer tours and tastings to the public with the aim of highlighting the history and revival of the McConnell’s brand.
In addition to this 5-year-old blend, McConnell’s also has a 5-year-old blend with a sherry cask finish, which retails at a slightly higher price (just above $40, which is similar to the cost of a bottle of Glenmorangie Lasanta). For the record, this one is bottled at 46% ABV, which some may find more appealing.
McConnell’s Irish Whisky 5 – Review
Colour: Honey gold.
On the nose: Freshly cut hay. White fruit notes, green apple and pear. There’s a slightly tart note that makes an appearance, that of apricots or a slightly underripe peach. Some soft vanilla, and a hint of buttery shortbread.
In the mouth: Dried apricots, and more sweet orchard fruits. Vanilla and caramel. A gentle spiciness becomes apparent, with some oaky undertones. The texture is quite light and smooth, yet there’s a slight prickle reminiscent of white pepper, offering a bit of heat. The finish feels fairly fresh and clean. The aroma left in the empty glass reminds me of coffee-flavoured candy.
Conclusions:
I’d regard this whisky as a nice, easy-drinking, everyday option that is perfect for those who appreciate a straightforward dram, but I doubt it’ll blow anyone away. Yet, while it’s not overly complex, there are still enough intriguing flavour notes that crop up throughout the tasting experience to keep a person interested.
Honestly, however, the real charm of this whisky lies in its affordability. It may not offer the depth or nuance of a more premium bottle, but it delivers a consistent and enjoyable experience at a fraction of the price. This makes it an appealing choice for anyone who is looking for a reliable and enjoyable dram that doesn’t break the bank. It’d make a great option for those who want a decent whisky for everyday enjoyment, or as a starter whisky for those who are relatively new to the world of whisky.
