Welcome to the world of whiskey, where we’ve seen some pretty out-there creations, from whiskey tablets that dissolve into a shot, to whiskey paired with a luxurious Fabergé egg. There’s even whiskey smoked using sheep dung! But now, get ready for the latest in whiskey innovation: a 20-year-old whiskey presented in a Naggin. Yes, you read that right. Read on and discover more.

For those uninitiated amongst us, a naggin is like a half pint-sized superhero of the spirit world, packing just enough punch to fuel a night of tales and mischief, but small enough to sneak past your da’s “don’t you dare” radar. It’s the whiskey equivalent of a snack-size chocolate bar: just enough to satisfy your craving without making you regret your life choices… well, at least not until you reach for the second one.

They’re not exactly the new kids on the block; in fact, if you stumble into any off-license, you’ll find an army of them lined up like tiny soldiers ready for duty. Traditionally, naggins are the go-to for that clandestine sip, the type of alcohol you’d sneak around with, cradled in a trusty paper bag, possibly while loitering in a field. They’re the ultimate compact solution for when you want to keep the party mobile without lugging around a full 500 or 700ml bottle. Think of them as the secret agents of the spirit world—small, stealthy, and always ready for action.

So, what makes this particular naggin a standout in the sea of its miniature comrades? Well, it’s not just any ordinary swig; this little bottle holds a 20-year-old single-grain whiskey from Cooley. We’re talking top-shelf stuff here, miles away from your typical naggin of ‘Glen’s Vodka’ or ‘Paddy.’ Ronan and Michael, two young Irish entrepreneurs, have tapped into the universal desire for a pocket-sized sip of luxury and absolutely nailed it. They’ve transformed the humble naggin into a vessel of premium pleasure, perfect for when you want to enjoy a sophisticated drink on the go without compromising on quality.

Ronan and Michael’s independent bottling company, ‘Redacted’, is the new kid on the whiskey block, and it is certainly popular! These two Irish lads have joined forces to create a brand that showcases the very best of Irish whiskey. Their inaugural 700ml Killowen release already had the whiskey world buzzing like a cat among the pigeons. But with this naggin, they’ve bottled something that’s not only novel and fun but also brilliantly affordable. For those who don’t fancy splurging upwards of £150 on a whiskey, this little gem offers a taste of luxury that won’t break the bank.

You might recognise Michael from his antics with ‘Paddy’ or ‘Last Drop Distillers,’ and Ronan, aka @whiskey4breakfast, for his ambassadorial roles with brands like Two Stacks. Not only do they co-host the enduring podcast ‘Pour Decisions,’ which delivers some of the best craic that Ireland has to offer, but their passion for high-quality Irish whiskey is evident in everything they do. Their new indie bottling venture has quickly earned a reputation worthy of the hype, proving that when you mix expertise with a love for fine spirits, the results are pretty epic.

So what are we actually reviewing then? This is a 20-year-old single-grain whiskey from the well-known distillery, Cooley. The whiskey itself has been matured in a Barolo cask. For those unaware, it’s an Italian wine, which was also the subject of the maturation of the Friend at Hand’s ‘Journey’s End.’

Redacted 20-Year-Old Cooley Distillery Irish Whiskey Naggin

Price: £40 (available from their webshop here)

ABV: 56.5%

Nose: An almost instant beautiful sweetness. Straight off the bat there’s boiled sweets and lemon sherbet, with a slight hint of a mustiness too. There’s some foam banana but the beauty lies in fruity goodness here; there’s lots of cherries and ripened redcurrants, with some dried cranberries thrown in for good measure. The Barolo has had a real influence here, notes of red grapes throughout. Lovely.

Palate: Here we go! A brilliant initial hit of maraschino cherries and dark chocolate whisps. There’s a hint of spicy orange too which runs throughout the whole palate. There are also some slight herbal notes which come to the fore; mainly clove and some spicy cinnamon too. Again with the boiled sweets, which then transform into cola cubes and Tangfastic cherries. A real sweet fest.

Finish: A good dose of gingerbread permeates and endures. Then comes the cinnamon sugar which creates a savouring warmth.

Conclusion

Well, this is certainly intriguing—I think I’ve found my new favourite maturation barrel! There’s a delightful sweetness to this whiskey, and when you combine it with a single-grain whiskey of such an age, it creates a truly powerful liquid. The grain adds depth and variety, bringing spice and herbal notes, while the Barolo cask imparts a playful sweetness. The result is a complex and impressive drink that’s very well thought-out. I’m a fan, no doubt about it!

As for Michael and Ronan, it will be fascinating to see where their journey takes them next. This release is a bold statement of intent, using Cooley grain, a significant age statement, the unique Barolo cask, and, of course, the naggin bottling. It’s a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit, and I must say, they’ve nailed it. And it’s not just me who thinks so—it’s been well received across all corners of Ireland. In fact, it was even recognised as one of the best St. Patrick’s Day whiskies by the Independent, holding its own alongside some pretty big names. Keep an eye on these guys—I’ve a feeling they’re just getting started!

Score: 7.5/10