Kilbeggan 'old' distillery Is located in the town of Kilbeggan, between Dublin and Galway on the N6 road. Kilbeggan is owned by Cooley but in 2007 they began distilling in the  newly renovated 'Old' Kilbeggan distillery. Full production of all 'Kilbeggan' expressions has not yet been fully relocated to this newly renovated distillery, but Cooley do intend to expand production there as time and capacity allows.

General whisky characteristics: Smooth, aromatic, malt & lightly herbal

Kilbeggan, Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€ (€13)

"Dram-atics" live review

Glass: Classic Malt

Colour: Yellow gold (9ct)

Nose: Finest Irish flora give this a very aromatic, light and inviting nose.

Palate: Slightly watery mouth-feel, but more solid flavours with aromatic malt, light liquorice and faint herbs along the lines of basil & thyme.

Finish: Long, aromatic, light and slightly dry.

Overall impression: I sampled this whiskey as part of a budget-price tasting and Kilbeggan was the winner of the evening, not surprisingly as it is a jolly good whiskey and extremely good value at the mere €13 price tag. Try it!

Kilbeggan, 18y, 40% ABV

'Limited Edition'

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€

Reviewed as part of MMA 2011

Glass: Classic Malt

Colour: Rich oak

Nose: Starts faintly with wood, sweet flora & candy floss, then after 2-3 minutes soem light lavendar notes appear, followed by toffee and a more intense woodiness.

Palate: Very creamy mouth-feel with butterscotch, light toffee and a hint of lavendar. Also some faint liquorice towards the finish.

Finish: Long, light and floral.

Overall impression: Excellent, a wonderful whiskey which almost attained the level of 'Great', but just not quite.