The Dublin Liberties Oak Devil: an alcoholic and brutal Irish whiskey
The Dublin Liberties Oak Devil represents an intriguing example of Irish whiskey, the result of a careful selection of malts and grains aged for over three years in barrels previously used for bourbon. Distilled and matured in Ireland, this non cold-filtered whiskey is bottled at 46% alcohol, revealing a spicy and aggressive, but at the same time direct, character without ever falling into banality, especially considering its extreme youth. Nothing complex or very layered, but pleasant; worth trying if you’re looking for a straight distillate without many frills for an unpretentious drink.
The Producer
The Dublin Liberties Distillery, located in the historic heart of Dublin, draws inspiration from the rich distilling tradition of the Liberties district, once known as the “Four Corners of Hell” for its lively and sometimes rowdy nightlife. The distillery, which saw an investment of approximately 11.34 million dollars for the renovation of a fifteenth-century building, combines traditional distillation practices with modern technologies, also exploiting a natural source of spring water for its production process.
The Basics
Type: Irish Whiskey (blend of malts and grains).
Age: More than three years in ex-bourbon barrels.
Filtration: not cold-filtered.
Alcohol: 46% (92 proof).
Price: Around 40–42 euros for a 700-ml bottle.
Aromatic and taste profile
On the nose, Oak Devil is fresh, rich, and herbaceous, with light notes of fruit such as bananas and peaches, followed by accents of soft oak and dark fruits. On the palate, the intensity of 46% alcohol is felt with a strong peppery note, harmonized by vanilla, toffee, and, in particular, honey. Spicy notes of cinnamon further enrich the taste, leading to a long, layered finish that begins with bursts of mocha, followed by burnt oak and cinnamon.
Recommended pairings
Its spiciness and moderate sweetness make it versatile for gastronomic pairings. It can accompany smoked or spiced meat dishes like brisket and pulled pork, as well as caramel desserts, trifle, chocolate salami, and apple pie.
Technical information
Serving Temperature: Recommended at room temperature or slightly cooled.
Price
40-42 euros. The Dublin Liberties Oak Devil offers an affordable price for a whiskey of this quality, allowing you to explore the diverse world of Irish whiskeys without overspending.
