Titanic 9yo Single Grain

A new distillery for me, but as with a lot of Irish distilleries all is not as it seems and it turns out it is from a distillery I know!

An unusual combination of rye, muscatel, and madeira cask finished grain whiskies.

Titanic Distillers was founded by lottery winner Peter Lavery, opened in April 2023 and started started distilling whiskey in August of the same year, making it Belfast's first working whiskey distillery in nearly 90 years, located in the historic Thompson Dock and Pumphouse where the famous ship was built. The first distillation run took place in mid-August 2023, following significant investment to convert the iconic building. 

So at 9 years old this obviously isn't their own liquid and the back label does say "Produced for Titanic Distillers'. The label doesn't actually say it's Irish, but I'm guessing it is and also guessing it's from Great Northern Distillery just over the border in Dundalk.

Bottler info:

Limited to 500 bottles, 09MM is a 9-year journey of devotion.  

This exclusive limited-edition release showcases a meticulously crafted nine-year-old single grain whiskey, elegantly finished in a trio of rye, muscatel, and madeira casks to deliver exceptional depth and character. 

A union rarely seen – bold yet balanced, light yet layered, a whiskey that defies conventions, shaped by time and intent.

Golden in hue, this nine-year-old single grain opens with aromas of light spice and earthy depth, layered with ginger cake, maple syrup, and orange blossom.

The palate is smooth and creamy, balancing pepper warmth with notes of dried fig, soft dates, and sweet vanilla.

It finishes long and satisfying, leaving a gentle tingle on the tongue – a quiet defiance.

Anyway what did it taste like?

My thoughts:

Appearance: pale gold in the Glencairn, swirls cling as a thin line, bead up immediately and then take an age to fall as slow thin oily legs.

 

Nose: Musty dunnage funk to start, a little salinity and a some orange zest. There is a pine forest floor earth note and some berry notes.

Palate: spicy to start, a little thin but mouth coating. Orchard fruit and vanilla to start before the wine cask influence kicks in - some berries and cherries, dry tannins and a little more citrus. There's a honey sweetness and some caramel hints. The spice kicks in as the liquid disappears, ginger and cinnamon leaving the mouth dry ready for another sip.

Finish: lingering spice, caramel and vanilla.

Overall: A really nice single grain, the 42% ABV could have done with a little more of a kick. It's doesn't state chill filtering but I'm guessing it has been - a little thin but still tasty. The Muscatel, and Madeira casks add some lovely berry and cherry notes on top of the grain's vanilla but I think the Rye cask has just added too much spice. My opinion - what's yours?