Dublin Liberties Copper Alley Irish Whiskey Review

By Emma Briones

Rating: B

The Dublin Liberties Copper Alley Irish Whiskey was launched in September 2016 as a limited release, following the previous year’s Oak Devil. This is then the second expression in The Dublin Liberties line.

Cooper Alley is named after one of the oldest streets in Dublin and one of the most racous, where tanners, tradesmen and taverns traded alongside whiskey distilleries. According to the distillery, it reflects the original methods of Irish Whiskey making and will be produced in The Dublin Liberties Distillery.

The Dublin Liberties Copper Alley is a 10 year old, double barrelled Irish Single Malt. It has been matured in ex-Bourbon barrels, and finished for six months in 30 year old Oloroso Sherry Casks. Copper Alley is a limited release, with 31 Sherry Casks worth of whiskey produced. It is non chill-filtered, and was bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof).

The Whiskey
In the glass, this Irish Whiskey is pale amber with long tears. The nose starts with sweet vanilla and hints of oak. It continues with some dried fruits aromas and walnut notes. It also has some little hints of pears and peaches.

On the palate, Copper Alley is creamy and full bodied. It starts with smooth and sweet fruity notes, with hints of pears and peaches in syrup. Followed by a little splash of vanilla and dried fruits like walnuts and hazelnuts. The last layer is spicy, increasing to full depth at the end of the dram. The finish is long and really spicy, leaving in the aftertaste some light notes of peaches and walnuts.

Copper Alley is different from the usual Irish Whiskeys. Fruity and sweet, it has a mellow flavour on the palate that hooks you from the very start. Even though, the highlight (and surprise) of this dram is the increasing spicy twist at the end.

The Price
In the UK it’s retailed at £65, with prices in the rest of Europe going from €65 to €69. In the U. S., it is priced around $60.