Introduction
Today, we’re reviewing Clontarf 1014 Classic Blend Irish Whiskey, a budget-friendly option that caught our attention when Bob spotted it on the OHLQ Ohio Liquor "last call" shelf for just $11. Made by Pernod Ricard's Irish Distillers, this blended Irish whiskey is a no-frills bottle that’s only available in the U.S. While we’ve had plenty of high-end whiskeys on the show, it’s been a while since we dived into something on the cheaper side. So, how does this bargain bottle stack up? Let’s get into it.
This review is taken from our episode "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe / Clontarf Classic Blend." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: This is a relatively pleasant nose. I’m getting floral notes, some light milk chocolate, and even a touch of honeysuckle. It’s really light, unoffensive, and decently aromatic. There’s some youth to it, but that’s expected from a bottle at this price. Overall, it’s decent, so I’m giving it a 6.5/10.
Bob: I actually really like the nose for what it is. It’s light and airy, with deep honey and floral notes, almost like heather. The color suggests it’s not very dark or well-aged, but the nose hints at something pleasant despite some harsher notes peeking through. I’m digging it, so I’ll also give it a 6.5/10.
Taste
Brad: The flavor drops off a bit compared to the nose. There are some nice vanilla notes, along with rose petals and toffee, but the young grain taste is hard to miss. It’s not bad, but it’s definitely there. I’ll come down a bit and give the taste a 6/10.
Bob: When you take a sip, it starts off syrupy sweet and surprisingly viscous, which is nice, but then it takes a turn. There’s an almost sickly sweetness that transitions into a smoky, ashy bitterness on the back of the palate. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does hint at its lower quality. For me, it’s a 6/10 on the taste as well.
Finish
Brad: The finish is light and floral, with some of those nice vanilla and floral notes lingering. It’s nothing spectacular, but it’s not offensive either. I’m going to give it a 6.5/10.
Bob: I agree. The finish is fine, though there’s a bit of a harsh aftertaste from the youth of the whiskey. That said, it doesn’t linger in a bad way, so I’ll also give it a 6.5/10.
Balance
Brad: I think the balance here is actually pretty decent. The negative and positive notes are consistent throughout, and there’s nothing jarring between the nose, taste, and finish. I’ll give it a 7.5/10.
Bob: I’m with you. It’s well-balanced for what it is—there’s nothing terribly off-putting, and it doesn’t feel disjointed. I’m also giving it a 7.5/10.
Value
Brad: For $18, this is a solid value. It’s light, floral, and an easy sipper. You’re not going to find too many bottles at this price that deliver more. I’ll give it a 7.5/10 for value.
Bob: I agree—$18 for this bottle is a steal. It’s not an amazing whiskey by any stretch, but for the price, it’s hard to beat. I’m also going with a 7.5/10 for value.
Final Scores
- Brad's Final Score: 34/50
- Bob's Final Score: 34.5/50
With an average of 34.25/50, or 68.5/100, this whiskey might seem like it’s on the lower end of the spectrum. However, at its price point, Clontarf 1014 Classic Blend offers decent value. Sure, it’s not the most refined or complex bottle, but for $18, it’s a solid entry into Irish whiskey for beginners or a no-frills sipper for those who want something light and easy.
Conclusion
Clontarf 1014 is a great option for those looking to dip their toes into Irish whiskey without spending a lot of money. It’s light, floral, and relatively smooth for the price, making it a solid choice for mixing or casual sipping. If you’re in the market for an affordable Irish whiskey to stock on your shelf, this one’s worth a try. It’s not going to blow you away, but for the price, it’s hard to beat. Cheers!
