The marriage of Pedro Ximénez finishes with Dunville’s Irish whiskey is truly heavenly. This is not a new concept for Dunville’s, as they have been perfecting this art since their inception. With a range of exquisite options such as 10-year-old maturations, 12-year-old maturations, and cask strength versions of the latter, it’s no wonder that Dunville’s has amassed a loyal following. And now, the moment that many Dunville’s enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating has finally arrived – the resurrection of the legendary 10-year-old in cask-strength form. This long-awaited release couldn’t have come at a better time than on St. Patrick’s Day.

Having both tasted and reviewed the exceptional Belfast Whiskey Week edition of Dunville’s (a 12-year-old cask strength) last year, Mike and I were left thoroughly impressed with its quality. Furthermore, I had the pleasure of sampling and reviewing the first edition of 10-year-old, which also left a lasting impression on me. Therefore, I am eager to see how the newly released cask-strength version of the 10-year-old stacks up against its esteemed predecessors. As a bonus, I will also have the opportunity to review the recently resurrected 10-year-old expression for a comprehensive comparison.

You may be wondering why Dunville’s has chosen to release a cask-strength version of their beloved 10-year-old expression. The answer is simple – the 10-year-old has always been a resounding success, from its earliest releases to its current incarnation alongside the equally impressive 12-year-old expression. Given its popularity, it only makes sense to take it up a notch and elevate it in strength, as demonstrated by the overwhelming success of the Dark Series releases. These limited-edition expressions rarely stayed on sale for longer than 30 minutes, a testament to their incredible popularity.

Dunville’s seldom releases anything over 46% ABV outside of its core range, which makes perfect sense from a marketing standpoint. But what about the fans? Rest assured, the “cask strength brigade” will be thrilled with this release. At the same time, the 10-year-old remains a firm favourite with fans nationwide, making this a welcome and timely addition to the Dunville’s line-up.

What truly impresses me is that, despite the three bottles having a similar composition, the modernisation and development of the logo and bottling design are simply superb. The attention to detail paid to Dunville’s rich history is exemplary, making these bottles, in my opinion, the most visually stunning on the market. From the meticulously crafted foil wrapper to the glossy elements of the logo, every aspect has been thoughtfully considered and executed with precision. I have stated it before, but it bears repeating that Team Echlinville has done a remarkable job in not only reviving but also elevating this historic brand to the very top. As the custodians of Dunville’s legacy, their commitment to honouring its history while simultaneously pushing it forward is nothing short of impressive.

Dunville’s 10-year-old PX edition Cask Strength Cask 1795

Price: £97.50 direct from Echlinville’s webshop

ABV: 56.5%

Nose: A burst of fizzy giant strawberries and red liquorice envelops the senses. The delightful aroma of fruity freshness follows, with notes of clementine peel and dried fruit, evoking a sense of vitality and vibrancy. It’s reminiscent of the sweet shops of my childhood, with a tempting hint of boiled sweets and hot lips. The aroma is elevated with the subtlest hint of spice, as nutmeg and cinnamon delicately infuse the whiskey with a nuanced complexity throughout. The combination of flavours and scents is truly exquisite, and this whiskey is sure to delight even the most discerning nose.

Palate: Once more, a sensory explosion engulfs you with a burst of clementine orange and fizzy cherry cola. It’s so viscous, creamy and syrupy all at the same time. But this time, there’s an added layer of complexity as an abundance of spicy notes emerges. Nutmeg and cinnamon dance on your taste buds while a hint of clove adds to the depth of flavours. The range of tastes is remarkable. As you savour the beverage, the boiled sweets make a comeback, accompanied by a new addition of strawberry Astro-belts that enhance the already delightful taste.

Finish: The finish is beautiful, with a lasting and enduring character. The spice continues to be a prominent player at this stage, with cinnamon taking centre stage once again, but this time with a twist of cinnamon lozenges and a hint of additional cinnamon that adds to the overall complexity. To round off the experience, there’s a subtle taste of marmalade that leaves a sweet and fruity note on the palate, elevating this already exceptional dram to a new level of quality.

Score: 7.5/10

Dunville’s 10-year-old PX edition

ABV: 46%

Price: £65.95 direct from Echlinville webshop

Nose: The first impression on the nose is a delightful explosion of apricots and raisins, accompanied by a gentle undertone of crisp gala apples. As the aroma develops, subtle notes of furniture polish and a pleasantly perfumed scent linger, creating a captivating experience. A faint trace of flat cherry coke adds a touch of complexity to this sensory journey.

Palate: The palate is transported to a festive realm, filled with the warm flavours of Christmas cake, mince pies, and Christmas pudding. The addition of cinnamon and a hint of clove spices things up a bit, although more spice could have been welcomed. The sweetness is evident, with hints of boiled sweets and fruit salads adding to the overall decadent experience. While the palate may be slightly underwhelming, the flavours are nonetheless enjoyable.

Finish: The finish is relatively short, with a rich, creamy texture and a bitter chocolate flavour that lingers on the tongue. A subtle warmth of pepper adds a pleasant kick.

Score: 5.5/10

Conclusion

The cask strength version is an incredible addition alongside the 10-year-old, offering a richness and complexity that truly sets it apart. While the composition of the whiskies may not differ significantly, the ABV certainly gives the cask strength version an edge. The layers of flavour are clear and abundant: sweetness, spice, and an incredible texture that is creamy, syrupy, and viscous – a true all-rounder. Dunville’s has proven its expertise as brilliant cask managers, displaying their mastery by enhancing the PX cask’s quality.

Though its quality is undeniable, I’m left puzzled by the high price point. While a cask-strength version of the 12-year-old costs only £10 more, this pair of offerings are priced much further apart. Perhaps I’m nit-picking, but every penny counts.

Nevertheless, Dunville’s continues to impress. They have released numerous new offerings, and I eagerly anticipate reviewing more from their core range and new additions. Their success is a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation.

Disclosure: The sample of Dunville’s 10-year-old that informed this article was provided to the Water of Life team by Echlinville free of charge. Echlinville has not had any other input into this article, nor has the Water of Life team relinquished any editorial control.