As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s a moment to look back on the remarkable journey we’ve experienced here at the Water of Life. Our platform, still in its relatively early stages, has progressed impressively, thanks to the unwavering support from our readers and exceptional contributions from our writers. Below, we invite them to share their top two standout whiskies or experiences of the year, the most disappointing moments, and their eagerly anticipated highlights for the upcoming year.
The platform has maintained a consistent momentum throughout the year. Surprisingly, we’ve achieved an average of around 6,000 monthly views, 5,000 monthly visits with a total of 58 reviews, totalling 64.5k words, a stark contrast from our modest beginnings when Mike and I excitedly went live with just over 600 hits in the first month. Reflecting on this 10x growth, it’s evident that the journey to this point has been arduous but rewarding. Behind the scenes, countless hours have been dedicated to tasting, drafting, writing, and editing articles about whiskey, not to mention visiting distilleries. There are moments when all we crave is to sit down with a dram and enjoy it without the pressure of writing, yet an undeniable passion and sense of duty propel us to share our insights with the world. It’s a service we genuinely love to provide.
Our contributors, Johnny and Ciaran, each with their distinctive writing styles, have skilfully engaged their audiences through honest, occasionally blunt, yet articulate and thoughtful reviews. Their unique perspectives have added depth to our platform, and we genuinely appreciate their contributions. We’d like to take a moment to mention that we’re continually seeking more contributors for articles. You don’t need to be a literary genius; I, for one, began writing in barely comprehensible English. What truly matters is the passion and the eagerness to provide valuable insights for those unsuspecting individuals who might be considering purchasing that potentially overpriced whiskey.
This year has witnessed some extraordinary releases, including Cooper King’s inaugural single malt whiskey from their environmentally conscious distillery, Killowen’s proprietary whiskey, and Redbreast’s noteworthy addition to the Iberian series. Our journeys have taken us to the birthplace of whiskey, encounters with Poitín down under, visits to Boann and Ardnahoe, and memorable experiences in some exceptional whiskey bars. Virtually no stone has been left unturned. As we approach 2024, we pledge to amplify our efforts, venture even farther, indulge in more extravagant and exotic tastings, all while maintaining our unwavering commitment to honesty, dedication, and passion in our whiskey reviews.
Dave
Current favourite brand….
Two Stacks
Top two whiskies of the year….
I’ve had the pleasure of savouring some truly remarkable whiskies this year, and among them, two have left an indelible mark. The inaugural whiskey from Cooper King stands out prominently, showcasing an impressive blend of flavour and depth despite its youth, setting a high standard for future releases. Meanwhile, Killowen continues to impress, with Cask 202, the peated tawny port cask, standing out as nothing short of sensational. It has garnered awards and widespread acclaim since its release, and it’s evident that Brendan’s innovative spirit in the Mourne Mountains is yielding remarkable results. Here’s to hoping he maintains the momentum as we step into another exciting year!
Biggest disappointment of the year…
It’s always a challenge to address disappointments, especially when it comes to whiskey. Regrettably, for me, the biggest let-down this year was the Dunville’s Dead Island whiskey. While perhaps my expectations were too high, its inclusion in a brand known for premium quality left me genuinely surprised and somewhat feeling like it detracted from the overall value of the collection. Sometimes, not every whiskey can live up to the standards it sets itself.
Most looking forward to in 2024…..
On a personal note, my focus for the upcoming year is to venture out more. With my children getting a bit older and more accustomed to longer car rides, I’m eager to increase my distillery visits and attend more live events. Two particular destinations on my radar are Whiskey Live in Dublin and a visit to the Cooper King distillery. Looking forward to expanding my whiskey experiences and creating lasting memories in the year ahead.
Mike
Current favourite brand….
I’ve had an awful lot of Bushmills this year. With an affordable and high quality travel range, it seems that I can’t go through an airport without buying a bottle at the moment.
Top two whiskies of the year….
The 18-year-old Old Ballechin Port Cask I reviewed back in February has to feature on this list. What a dram!
The second is Rampur Double Cask. I tried this whisky at a tasting a couple of months ago and was blown away – it was spectacularly light and fruity. I’m now desperately trying to track down a bottle to review.
Biggest disappointment of the year…
Having moved to Nepal this year, I’m disappointed by the difficulty in tracking down good whiskies here! The distributors focus on a small number of brands, with almost no Irish brands at all.
Most looking forward to in 2024…..
No change on last year – it’s still Cooper King’s inaugural release. While they bottled their first single malt in 2023, I’ve still yet to try a sample.
Johnny
Current favourite brand….
Killowen
Top two whiskies of the year….
With prices of whiskey going up and up, I gave myself some guidance on how to approach 2023 and its new releases. I told myself to look beyond the price and focus on what the liquid actually is. Here are my top 2 whiskeys:
- Shortcross Malt & Pot Still Distillery Exclusive – Probably the best value Irish Whiskey in 2023. Don’t get “best value” wrong, this is a cracking whiskey. So much so that my bottle disappeared before I know it. For £55, you’re getting the first Irish whiskey to ever crack the code on blending Pot Still and Malt together!
- Powers Rye – Another bang for buck whiskey. Powers Rye is a great example of what the future of Irish Whiskey could look like. It’s no longer bounded to Jameson or Single Pot Still at its current definitions. Irish produce is the best and it makes sense that it translates to agricultural by-products like whiskey.
Biggest disappointment of the year…
Nothing I can think of. That probably means I had a good whiskey year but seriously, there’s nothing I’ve tried that disappointed me. If it’s not whiskey drank then it’s probably not buying the Dingle 10 year old single cask release. I thought it was way overpriced for more than €300 for a 10 year old Dingle but boy was I wrong seeing the price it’s gone for at auctions. It doesn’t make much difference though as I probably would have opened mine anyways.
Most looking forward to in 2024…..
Lots of new releases of aged stock from newer distilleries. I want to know how they taste like and if the way these new-ish distilleries were marketed match up with their juice. I also look forward to seeing a blend made from distillate of different distilleries, more than 2 anyways. Anything that propels Irish whiskey globally, I’m excited for it.
Ciaran
Top two whiskies of the year….
Top for me was the Lagavulin 2023 Feis Ile. At £240 a bottle, I had to limit myself to two drams at the Lagavulin Warehouse Experience, but my lord I regret not going for three, four, or nine. It’s Lagavulin’s first foray with Armagnac Casks, and it was an absolute belter. Unbelievably smooth for a Cask strength (58.4%), and a gorgeous balance of sweet and smoky. Absolutely magic, and already earmarked for a future ‘treat bottle’ the next time my salary doubles.
However, a surprise late contender showed up right at the end of the year. By virtue of a Whisky Advent Calendar from The Dram Team, I was introduced to 15yo Tomintoul Sherry Cask. Another Cask strength at 61%, this one was unbelievably easy drinking. Fruity (Peach, Mango, and Wham-Bar-Raspberry), Spicy, Oily and Salty, it had a hell of a lot going on. The tragedy was that it came only as a 50ml miniature, and therefore immediately became my New Year’s Resolution to find something similar in full size.
Biggest disappointment of the year…
Two Words – Virgin Oak. It seemed to be a massive fad in 2023, and I for one hope it remains there. On my recent trip to Islay, it seemed like every distillery wanted you to try their ‘newest venture’ of virgin oak/new oak, and it was without fail the worst of whatever that distillery was offering.
Maybe the distilleries are feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis as well, but trying a short cut of ramming whisky into brand new barrels simply does not work in my book. It leaves a dry, bitter taste that reminds me why I drink whisky and not white wine.
Deanston have proudly put a Virgin Oak matured bottle on their core range that is nowhere near as good as their other offerings, but the worst offender was perhaps the one offered to us at the Laphroaig Distillery. Thankfully, it seems they have the good sense to not include it as a bottling of its own, and merely add it to blends like their Oak Select. Fingers crossed it never hits the shelves!
Most looking forward to in 2024…..
This one is easy for me. The warmth and hospitality shown to us by the up and coming Ardnahoe distillery was second to none. In a previous review, I was delighted to get a peak behind the curtain of Islay’s newest distillery, and loved what I saw/tasted. They hope to begin bottling in April next year, and I for one cannot wait!
This year has been relentless with the constant stream of whiskey releases, conferences, award judging, and live events. However, amidst the whirlwind, our commitment to you has remained unwavering. While we may not be able to acquire every new release, attend every live event, or visit every distillery, we persist in applying our integrity to every review. Though we may have our biases and favourites, our dedication lies in maintaining honesty and providing each whiskey with the thorough and unbiased review it deserves.
As we turn the page to a new chapter, we invite you to continue this journey with us. Your enthusiasm fuels our passion, and we look forward to exploring the evolving landscape of whiskey in the coming year. May your glasses be filled with exceptional spirits, and may each sip be a celebration of the remarkable and diverse world of whiskey. Cheers to another year of exploration, appreciation, and the shared love for The Water of Life.
Heres to a great, whisk(e)y filled 2024.
Slainte
The Water of Life Team
The Water Of Life 