This week, we’re diving into an exciting collaboration between the Instagram whiskey influencer Whisky A Go Girl (Jenna) and the Killowen Distillery. What happens when an Irish distillery teams up with a passionate influencer? A special-edition whiskey that’s made waves. Let’s see if it’s worth the hype.
The Bottle and Backstory
The label itself is a head-turner: bold, informative, and undeniably disco. This 8-year-old single malt comes in at a bold 58.6% ABV (117.8 proof), making it a serious pour. The youngest whiskey in this bottle is at least 8 years old, and Jenna’s influence is clear, with her signature touch on the label.
Whisky A Go Girl Cask Details:
This whiskey had quite the aging journey as the whiskey was distilled by the Cooley Distillery in Co.Louth just across Carlingford Lough before being moved to the Killowen Distillery.
- Ex-Bourbon Cask: Aged for 5 years, giving it that vanilla sweetness and subtle spice we know and love.
- Ex-PX Sherry Cask: Moved to Killowen for 3 more years, where it picked up rich, fruity notes with a touch of smoke, courtesy of the PX (Pedro Ximénez) sherry influence.
This cask interplay is designed to appeal to both peat lovers and those who are “peat curious” it strikes a balance between smoky allure and fruity sweetness.
Rate That Pop!
If you want to see (and hear) how this bottle pops, head over to the YouTube video below! You’ll get to witness the magic and rate it yourself. There is nothing like that satisfying cork release to set the mood for a good whiskey tasting.
Tasting Notes
- On the Nose
As soon as you pop the cork, you’re hit with a blast of melon and smoke. There’s a festive quality to it like the scent of Santa’s boot on a freshly dusted carpet, with that smoky, warm holiday feeling. Alongside the smoke, there’s a sweet, fleshy melon note with undertones of vanilla. - The Palate
The flavours come at you fast: chocolate malt plays with a citrusy oil note, while a light layer of soot envelops everything. Surprisingly, the peatiness on the palate is milder than the nose suggests, allowing the fruity and malty notes to shine. As the whiskey sits, you start to get a distinct pear drop sweetness with a delicate sparkle of smoke, making it feel like the start of a party. - The Finish
The finish is where this whiskey earns its “disco” title—those fruit and malt flavours linger, intertwined with a light smokiness that dances on the palate. It’s complex yet approachable, with enough depth to keep things interesting.
Overall Impression
This collaboration between Killowen and Whisky A Go Girl is more than just a gimmick. It’s a well-crafted single malt that delivers an intriguing balance of smoke and sweetness. Whether you’re a peat enthusiast or just curious about smoky flavours, this one’s got enough layers to keep you sipping.
The Verdict:
Score: “Aye, It’s Grand” (7.3/10) The Whisky A Go Girl & Killowen collaboration sits at the high end of “Aye, It’s Grand” on our Whiskey4Breakfast scale. It’s an impressive pour that delivers a well-crafted blend of chocolatey malt, bright citrus, and a hint of peaty smoke. While it has some memorable moments and keeps you entertained with its evolving flavours, it just misses out on the top-tier status.
It’s grand, no doubt about it worth sharing with friends and savouring for a whiskey with such character and complexity, it’s a solid addition to any collection.
Sláinte to read more of my whiskey reviews just click here!
