The Copeland Collection

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Well, that’s another Festive period over. The tree is down, and the baubles are all stored away.  I have always regarded January as a time to hunker down, be cosy and work your way through the abundance of chocolate in the house.  I must say this Christmas I have been given gifts of a fabulous selection of some of my favourite Whiskies, of which I am delighted about.   I have always thought the notion of “dry” January a bit cruel, especially for me, as I have been historically blessed by being gifted wonderful Whisky and the thought of it just looking at me would be too sad.

Amongst the gifts I received was a selection of the products produced by Copeland Distillery in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland, a distillery that I have previously reported on, so I thought it would be good to taste and report on a couple of the samples.   Now there is a method in my madness – my dear wife enjoys gin, and her second choice of spirit would be rum, of which this selection has samples.

The selections are:

  • Merchants Quay – Single Grain Irish Whiskey
  • Merchants Quay – Blended Irish Whiskey
  • County Down – Irish Vodka
  • Smugglers Reserve – Double Wood Rum
  • Rhuberry Gin – Rhubarb & Blackberry Gin
  • Irish Gin

I thought what a good selection for a tasting and I am of the opinion that this kind of tasting is an ideal way to spend a bleak, cold January afternoon, plus involving my wife just improves domestic harmony, a must for all husbands. 

Whisky wife, Jacqueline, has chosen the Rhuberry Gin to taste and review. For my tasting, I have selected the Single Grain Irish Whiskey.

Lets now have a taste.

A unique Single Grain Irish whiskey aged for 5 years in American Bourbon barrels and finished in Moscatel wine casks and Pedro Ximénez sherry cask.

Copeland, Merchants Quay Single Grain Irish Whiskey 46% Alc/vol, 70 cl

Colour…Pale straw

Nose…Sweet and delicate on the nose, lots of citrus notes.

Taste…Gentle on the palate, the sweetness is strong, sherry soaked sultanas, more lemon and orange notes, if adding water, use only a teardrop, very drinkable neat.

Finish…The sweetness remains in charge, together with all the citrus bursts, leaving a delightful tingle on the tongue

A very special dram, keenly priced at under £40.00. At the Whisky Boys’ next non-Scotch Whisky tasting, this one will certainly be on the list of drams to taste.

Up next, we have Jacqueline’s tasting of the Rhuberry Gin.

This colourful gin is juniper-led with the rhubarb and blackberries all from County Down. It is an ideal gin for those looking for the sweet side of gin.

Let’s have a sip.

Copeland Distillery Rhuberry Gin – 40%Alc/vol 70 cl

Colour…Turkish Delight.

Nose…Berry jam, candy floss, quite sweet.

Taste…Very subtle, delicate, feminine drink.  With just a little ice and tonic, I could see this as the ideal alfresco drink, perfect for a BBQ.  Your palate retains the rhubarb and blackberry flavour, which is very refreshing. This is a drink calling for a tall balloon glass with loads of ice, a little tonic and even a sprig of mint.  

Finish…The sweetness of the rhubarb and berries lingers longest.  To me, the Rhubarb and Blackberry are perfectly balanced and very easy to sip.  

For a special flavoured gin costing £23.75 this would make a perfect gift.

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