It’s as if time flies by in a blur, with new whiskies being released without a moment’s respite, with Ireland seeming to be the main protagonist in this whirlwind of releases. With such an abundance of offerings, the challenge lies in finding distinctiveness, uniqueness, and the ability to stand out amidst the sea of other brands. Perhaps you never fathomed that one approach could be to forge a collaboration with renowned video game publisher Deep Silver, known for their popular zombie slaying game: Dead Island.

Why, you might wonder, would a distinguished whiskey brand like Dunville’s join forces with a video game producer to launch a whiskey under their name? The answer is surprisingly straightforward: the audience. Shane Braniff, the visionary behind Echlinville, expressed his intent: “When we revived the historic Dunville’s Whiskey brand a decade ago, we did so with the aim of introducing it to a new generation of whiskey enthusiasts.” It becomes apparent that by collaborating with a popular video game, Echlinville could ultimately extend its reach to a wider and potentially younger audience. Video games typically boast a vast and dedicated fan base and partnering with a game can significantly enhance the brand’s visibility and awareness within the gaming community. The first release of the Dead Island video game franchise sold over 4 million copies so it’s a logical strategy.

I understand your scepticism, as this collaboration between Dunville’s and a video game is indeed unprecedented. The association of a distinguished whiskey brand with a game that once faced a ban in Germany due to its excessive violence does seem unusual. As someone who has dabbled in gaming in the past (though less so now due to the demands of parenthood), I too never perceived whiskey and gaming as a natural pairing. I find myself surprised that a whiskey with such a rich heritage, legacy, and elegance has aligned itself with a video game.

That said, if the whiskey itself proves to be of exceptional quality and successfully appeals to and sells within a completely new market, then one can appreciate the reasoning behind this venture. However, there is a lingering concern that if the whiskey fails to meet the high standards set by Echlinville, it could create an awkward situation for the brand, particularly considering the elevated status they have recently achieved for Dunville’s.

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey’s Dead Island 2 collaboration is described as a “modern blend” incorporating pot still, malt, and grain whiskeys with no indication of the percentage of each. I’m not sure what the ‘modern’ aspect reflects, possibly some of Dunville’s own pot still perhaps. The whiskey has been carefully aged in ex-bourbon casks and is presented at a paltry 40% ABV. The bottle itself is certainly eye catching, adorned with a whimsical and somewhat unnecessary glow-in-the-dark label that showcases the two iconic Dead Island characters, Jacob and Amy, donning their formidable attire for their battle against the undead. Time to raise the spirits and get my ‘zombie’ senses ready for a spirited whiskey review…

Price: £45 available direct from Echlinville’s website

ABV: 40%

Nose: A velvety infusion of lemon custard with delightful notes of luscious butterscotch. There’s also hints of vanilla with a gentle drizzle of golden honey which emerges timidly.

Palate: Abundant sweetness dominates the palate, leaving little room for other flavours to shine. The honey notes exert a potent presence, bordering on overpowering. Nonetheless, a subtle hint of lemon on the nose offers a fleeting respite, while an indulgent touch of Werther’s Originals adds an extra layer of richness.

Finish: The finish falls short, lacking in notable complexity. A mild heat of pepper emerges, albeit belatedly, providing a slight burst of intensity. The presence of vanilla, leaning towards a hint of spiciness, adds some depth, yet fails to impress with its limited impact. Regrettably, the flavours dissipate rather swiftly, leaving a fleeting impression on the palate.

Conclusion

This release has left me somewhat disappointed. Even without considering the zombie slaying collaboration, the overall experience falls short of my expectations. As for the whiskey itself, I was initially intrigued by Dunville’s exploration of maturing whiskey in a non-sherry cask, particularly bourbon. However, at a mere 40% ABV, it fails to deliver enough complexity to justify a higher rating; maybe this is to appease the younger market. While it exhibits some typical bourbon-matured characteristics, the reality is that it lacks distinction and comes across as a rather ordinary whiskey, which I have always believed Dunville’s not to be about. Perhaps if it were priced £10-15 lower, I might consider a slight bump in score by 0.5 or even 1 point, but that would be pushing it. On that note, £45 feels too much for this release, even by Dunville’s standards.

I am genuinely curious to gauge the reception of this release among whiskey enthusiasts in Ireland. Collaborating with Dead Island undoubtedly represents a courageous and potentially positive step to broaden the audience of Irish whiskey. At The Water of Life, we have always appreciated and celebrated innovative endeavours in production and marketing. However, based on conversations I’ve had with other purchasers, it appears that this release is being viewed more as a collector’s item rather than a whiskey meant for regular consumption. At this stage, I find myself inclined to agree with that sentiment.

Score: 3.5/10