The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth has an incredibly long name for an entry level bottle. The first Irish Whiskey brought in from Royal Oaks Distillery in Ireland, this blend features grain whiskey finished in Bourbon, Sherry, and Marsala casks. Disaronno is helping to bring it over stateside. So should it earn a place on your bar?
The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth
Sight: A beautiful gold leaning into shades of copper.
Smell: It takes a bit of time to open up, but the forefront of the nose perfumes outward with caramel, nuttiness, and touches floral and fruity elements. The caramel and nuttiness almost leans into coconut with a hint of almost tropical banana. There’s also a grainy dust note hanging out as well giving it a distinctly malty nature.
Sip: The mouthfeel is surprisingly round and rich. There’s a subtle unripe pear that starts things off, it moves into an interesting caramelized poaching liquid with hints of caramel and spices. There’s a bit of a honeyed character there as well. Touches of toasted wood oak and nuts round out the edges. There is also a bit of heat.
Savor: The ending is again laced with pome fruit, nuttiness, and hints of caramelized sugars. It lingers dryly on the tongue, lounging and coating the palate.
While The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth isn’t the most mature or complex product, it also doesn’t feel as small as it’s ABV would lead you to believe. The round, rich texture makes it feel as though it’s bigger than it is. The gentle, yet firm character of the grain and fruit notes against the woodiness and caramelized flavors creates a nice well balanced whiskey. For those looking for another Irish option, it’s certainly a welcome contender at the price point.
In Cocktails
In an Irish Blackthorn, The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth manages to add a softer character to the background – giving hints of grain and caramel. The main thing it adds though is a beautiful mouthfeel. While it still works harmoniously, it’s still doesn’t end up particularly forward thanks to the absinthe and the bitters. That said, it does add, and it doesn’t loose it’s character. Given the small number of Irish Cocktails, this is an encouraging sign – especially given it’s neat character.
The Busker Triple Cask Overall
The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth offers a compelling value proposition thanks to it’s relatively large mouthfeel and straightforward flavors. The whiskey is by no means perfect, or wow worthy, but it is very good value in the mid to high $20 price point. As an every day Irish whiskey, it’s certainly worth picking up to explore if you’re a fan of the style.
Want to consider some other options? Check out our other Irish Whiskey Reviews!