4x Dingle: Lá ‘le Bríde / Cónocht an Fómhair / Pot Still / PX Single Cask

Here’s an article that’s almost three years overdue, but now finally Dingle Distillery features again on these pages. We’ll first review two whiskies from the Irish distillery’s Wheel of the Year range (Lá ‘le Bríde and Cónocht an Fómhair) before moving on to the Fifth Single Pot Still Release (at cask strength). We’ll finish with a Pedro Ximénez Single Cask for the Dutch market.

But first I should apologise for my tardiness. Not necessarily to you, dear reader. After all, you don’t know how long I’ve been sitting on these samples. But there’s someone who does. Christophe – who you might know from his blog ‘More Drams, Less Drama‘ or as Coldorak on Instagram – approached me about Dingle after the last time I wrote about this Irish distillery.

My first (and only) review of Dingle’s whiskey up until today wasn’t very glowing. I imagine that must’ve triggered Christophe somewhat, as he has a special affinity for the distillery. I can totally relate with such a feeling. There are distillery’s I absolutely adore. All I want is for others to understand why I believe they’re great. As weird as it sounds, some I kind of feel protective over.

Long story short, Christophe graciously sent me a bunch of Dingle samples, allowing me to further familiarise myself with the distillery’s products. I then neatly stashed them away in my sample drawers for a future article. This was in *gulp* June 2022.

I’ve since collected a few other Dingle samples myself, so some of the whiskies for this post were contributed by myself, while others are from Christophe’s private collection. It may have taken me too long, but I hope he’ll be happy with the result. I’ll just call my first encounter with Dingle a false start, because these whiskies are more than good enough for a proper redemption.

Dingle Lá ‘le Bríde – Wheel of the Year (50.5%, OB, 2023)

Dingle Lá ‘le Bríde is a single malt initially matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in ex-rye casks. Rather a sizeable batch at 10,000 bottles.

Nose: An initial hint of resin and pine needles quickly makes way for red berries, wine gums and marjoram. There’s an intriguing sweetness – oily and honey-esque, but slightly floral too and somewhat artificial. Soft hints of dark, multi-grain bread and pleasant tingly oak spices.
Taste: Creamy mouthfeel with a fruity, sweet and medium spicy arrival. Touches of sultanas, raspberry gelato and tarragon, but also hints of walnuts, jammy apricots and chili spice. A gentle reminder of aniseed as well.
Finish: Medium length and just a tad dry and/or spicy. Hints of chili chocolate, oak spices and cured lemons.

Dingle Cónocht an Fómhair – Wheel of the Year (50.5%, OB, 2024)

Dingle Cónocht an Fómhair is a single malt whiskey first matured in ex-bourbon casks before a final maturation period in ex-rum casks. A smaller batch at 4,000 bottles.

Nose: Opening up on a sliver of tinned pineapple, as well as lemon peel and just a whisper of apple compote. There’s a slight herbaciousness along with sourdough starter and just a tinge of minerality. Barley husks linger in the background, accompanied by clementines and Love Hearts.
Taste: Thick, juicy mouthfeel but with a gentle flavour profile. Soft fruits, many similar to the ones already detected on the nose. Fresh, slightly tart, but also with a whisper of mush bananas, white pepper and apple sauce.
Finish: Medium and slightly dry. A tinge of lime zest, vanilla and oak.

Dingle Fifth Single Pot Still Release – Cask Strength (59.5%, OB, 2022)

Only 1,000 bottles were released of the cask strength Fifth Single Pot Still Release from Dingle. That was in early 2022, but bottles are still for sale. I’m not surprised given the retail price. It matured fully in ex-bourbon.

Nose: First impression is very positive. Hints of lemon grass alongside sandalwood, Madeira cake, crème pâtissière and slight floral notes too. Slivers of pot ale too, as well as some bran. Finally touches of jammy apricots, rhubarb and a sliver of hops.
Taste: Creamy, almost oily mouthfeel with an immediate spicy hit followed by thyme, lemon pith and honeyed cereals. Also whispers of fennel, malted milk and nectarines.
Finish: Medium length. Again, there’s a mild dryness here with hints of lemon and gentle herbs with some ripe apples.

Dingle 2014 8 Years – Pedro Ximénez Single Cask (58.5%, OB, C#630)

This 8-year-old Dingle Pedro Ximénez Single Cask was bottled for Dutch distributor Whisky Center. Stupendously expensive, so still available should you be interested.

Nose: Hints of English bitter alongside amaretto (the biscuits) and a touch of coffee grounds, aceto di balsamico and dates. Then slivers of ripe banana, old leather and dark caramel, as well as raisins, gingerbread and nutmeg.
Taste: Thick and rich mouthfeel. First impression of cocoa powder, allspice and figs. I also should mention it has a rather dry side. Then blackcurrants with roasted peanuts and just a tinge of aniseed, with finally currant buns also.
Finish: Certainly very long. The figs make an encore. Then blackcurrants too, as well as brambles and chocolate.

Photos: Whiskybase