Hyde 6 YO No. 5 The Áras Cask

Hyde 6 YO No. 5 The Áras Cask Burgundy Finish, 46%

This is the fourth whiskey from Hibernia Distillers we present here at Whisky Saga. Hibernia Distillers sell their whiskeys under the trademark Hyde Irish Whiskey. Like the Hyde No. 3 this is a young grain whiskey. The others, Hyde No. 1 and Hyde No. 4, are single malt whiskies. All of them have got different cask finishes.

I had a longer discussion about the origin of Hyde whiskeys in my review of Hyde No. 1. You can buy the Hyde 6 YO No. 5 The Áras Cask in Norway at NOK 725 (6227001).

Hyde 6 YO No. 5 The Áras Cask Burgundy Finish was matured for six years in flame charred ex-bourbon casks. Then, as the name implies, it was given an 8 month finish on burgundy casks.

Nose: This whiskey has a sweet nose. There's caramel, lavender, honey and oak.

Taste: Like on the nose this is a sweet whiskey. The burgundy cask comes through quite clearly on the palate. I find red wine, liquorice, oaky spices, especially cinnamon and thyme. It feels, maybe, a bit thin.

Finish: On the finish the Hyde No. 5 gets more bitter and dry. There's some dark chocolate notes that take over. The oak also becomes more prominent. The oak is still that of a dark red wine, though.

Comments: This is a pleasant and warming whiskey with a clear and present cask influence. Like the Hyde No. 3 it is a grain whiskey that belies its age.

Score (82/100)

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Over the last few months I've been working with Daracha, the Norwegian importer of Hyde Whiskey at a few whisky fairs in Norway, presenting their whisky. I sampled this whiskey at one of those events. My claim is that does not, however, influence my personal opinion of the whiskey.

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Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Kjell Ove