Last month, I had the opportunity to check off some epic additions to my whiskey bucket list. Among them was Bar 1661, a relatively new gem in the whiskey scene. However, there’s one place that continues to captivate me no matter how often I visit, thanks to its everlasting appeal: The Friend at Hand. Most recently, it unveiled an entirely new Irish whiskey museum and tasting room, which has quickly become the talk of the town in this once-bustling whiskey city.

For those unfamiliar with the Friend at Hand in Belfast, it stands as an unmatched establishment, blending the roles of a shop, emporium, and museum, all in devotion to the world of Irish whiskey. Furthermore, it serves as a custodian of Belfast’s rich whiskey-distilling heritage.

Within these hallowed walls, there is an impressive assembly of over 600 Irish whiskeys. Yet, intriguingly, more than half of these bottles bear the label “Never, Never, Never For Sale.” Some even bear the playful moniker of “No Nae Never for Sale,” a whimsical nod to the timeless Irish drinking song, “The Wild Rover.”

One particular aspect that personally pleases me, albeit with a selfish hint of frustration from my vantage point in England, is the absence of online whiskey sales. This deliberate choice stems from the vision of Willie Jack, the proprietor of the Friend at Hand. His aspiration is clear: to entice tourists/customers/nomads to embark on a journey to Belfast, and once there, to enter the Friend at Hand’s sanctuary. Here, they can marvel at the vast allure of Irish whiskey that awaits them. The bars that he owns are even adorned on each of the four leaves of the clover on ‘The Journey’s End’: Duke of York, Friend at Hand, Harp Bar and the Dark Horse.

During my pre-planned trip, I had the pleasure of meeting up with the renowned Jim Ingram, also known as ‘The Whisky Novice’, a YouTube sensation. Jim’s fame is so remarkable that he even has his own mural in Belfast. He graciously offered to give me a tour of the new Irish whiskey museum, which is adorned with a red-rope entrance, giving me the regal feeling of being whiskey royalty as I stepped inside. The museum itself is absolutely breath-taking, showcasing an extensive collection of every imaginable Irish whiskey. From the exquisite Midleton Pearls to the elusive Silent Distillery releases, and even the prestigious Redbreast Dream Casks and Bailey’s Irish Whiskey, it felt like a mythical experience to see them all in one place. It comes as no surprise that these treasures are marked with the coveted ‘Never Never Never for Sale’ label, adding to their allure.

One thing that truly fascinated me was the Executive chairs from the time of Dunville’s liquidation. These chairs are a timeless masterpiece, adorned with luxurious leather and intricate woodwork showcasing the Dunville’s logo of that era. It’s a remarkable piece of history, brimming with elegance. In addition to that, the whiskey cabinets proudly display an extraordinary collection of Pre-Echlinville Dunville’s. It’s truly a dream come true for any aficionado of Irish Whiskey, especially those who appreciate Dunville’s and its history like I do.

Adjacent to this breath-taking museum lies the tasting room, a sanctum reserved for fortunate corporate clients and the privileged few. The room itself is a masterpiece, adorned with a beautiful glass table, affording its occupants the privilege of gazing upon a selection of yet more truly exceptional and rare whiskies. The mere thought of indulging in a tasting within this setting fills one’s mind with longing; one can only imagine how challenging it would be to maintain focus amidst such a breath-taking backdrop.

Jim’s hospitality was nothing short of splendid; he shared his time, showcasing a passion for whiskey that was both infectious and enlightening.

Joining me on this trip was my wife, who is well aware that a visit to the Friend at Hand invariably results in the acquisition of another bottle for my collection. When she asked about my preferences, my mind was already set on a specific choice. While the Friend at Hand houses an extensive array of Irish whiskeys, one truly unique feature lies in their own bottlings.

I’ve had the privilege of savouring their Dunville’s and Powers single cask, yet what truly piqued my interest was their series – ‘The Friend at Hand.’ Comprising a total of 13 distinctive expressions, each one bearing the name ‘The Friend at Hand’ in tribute to Willie Jack’s lifelong companion and business partner, the late Bruce Kirk, a beloved figure in Belfast who regrettably passed away at the age of 62. What makes this series particularly compelling is the heartfelt dedication to ensuring that Bruce’s enduring spirit and legacy continue to shine through, beautifully commemorated on each label and bottling.

Bottle number 13, christened ‘Journey’s End,’ made its debut just a few short months ago. After regrettably missing out on the opportunity to sample it at the Friend at Hand’s new tasting room, I was resolute in my determination to grab this new release.

Setting ‘Journey’s End’ apart from its predecessors is that it is bottled at an impressive 54% ABV, with a notable age of 14 years, a departure from the preceding twelve editions, which all bear a 46% ABV and are a year younger. As all of these bottlings are sourced from the Bushmills distillery, one can rightfully expect a good showing of Bushmills’ pedigree here.

The majority of these whiskies underwent finishing in Italian Amarone casks. However, as Jim enthusiastically shared, there was a little twist in the tale – a second batch accidentally found itself ageing in Italian Barolo casks, a happy mistake that, in his discerning opinion, imparted more depth and character to the spirit. This particular variation, though not presently gracing the store shelves, was generously extended to me by Jim as an offering of rare, Italian Barolo-finished liquid treasure.

The Journey’s End, The Friend At Hand’s Bottle no 13. 14-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

ABV: 54%

Price: £115- only available at The Friend at Hand.

Nose: A captivating and sweetly fragrant nose unfolds, reminiscent of Parma Violets, Sevilla oranges, and wine gums. Subtly concealed within this aroma is a whisper of flat cherry cola, accompanied by the essence of Haribo cherry sweets. As you patiently savour the moment, the aroma evolves, revealing hints of marzipan, a subtle undertone of red liquorice, and maraschino red cherries.

Palate: The initial notes give an impressive burst of spiciness, akin to a subtle chilli-like heat, complemented by the presence of clove and menthol. The texture maintains a delicate lightness while delivering robust and prominent flavour notes. You’ll encounter a luscious blend of sticky orange marmalade, some Terry’s Chocolate Orange, and boiled sweets, resulting in an absolute sweet-fest.

Finish: The sweetness and spice just pervade throughout. It finishes with a long-lasting cherry Tangfastic and Quality Street Orange Cremes.

Summary

And there we have it, the culmination of the 13 Friend at Hand special edition whiskies. While I’ve had the pleasure of tasting a few of the preceding twelve, I can unequivocally assert that they’ve truly saved the best for last. This one stands in a league of its own, delivering an entirely different experience. The cask strength ABV imbues it with the kick it has been yearning for, while an additional year in the ageing process contributes a welcomed layer of complexity. However, it’s worth noting that, in my opinion, it falls slightly short in terms of depth. While the combination of sweetness and spice offers a classic blend, perhaps a subtle hint of smoke or a touch of mellowness could have added a cutting contrast to the prevailing sweetness. Some may also mistake the overwhelming spiciness to the spirit being a little sharp, I don’t however think that will be the case.

As for The Friend at Hand, this should be an absolute must for anyone who plans to visit Belfast, not even for the whiskey connoisseurs, enthusiasts or ‘newbies’, it is a brilliant place for studying the history of this great city. The motto of Belfast is ‘Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus’ which translates as ‘What shall we give in return for so much?’ And as for the case of the Friend at Hand whiskey shop, this motto perfectly encapsulates the warm hospitality and appreciation for fine spirits that you’ll find when you step through its doors, leaving you pondering what you can give in return for the memorable whiskey experiences it offers.

Whiskey Score: 6.5/10

Shop Score: 10/10