Review: Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon
Introducing Keeper’s Heart, a whiskey brand founded by O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. in Minnesota and crafted by Master Distiller Brian Nation. Not familiar with Brian? You should be! Prior to joining O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co., Brian spent seven years as Master Distiller at Irish Distillers working on some of the most renowned Irish whiskeys in the world, including Jameson, Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare, the Spot Whiskeys, and Powers.
As Master Distiller at O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co., Brian is tackling a fresh challenge with the Keeper’s Heart brand: craft a new type of whiskey that blends Irish and American styles and techniques.
The brand’s flagship expression, Keeper’s Heart Irish + American, launched in 2021 and was crafted from a blend of Irish Pot Still Whiskey, Irish Grain Whiskey, and American Rye. The expression that I’ll be reviewing today, Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon, was launched in 2022 as a permanent addition to the lineup and is a blend of Irish Pot Still Whiskey, Irish Grain Whiskey, and Bourbon.
More information on the Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon components below:
| Component | Grain Source | Maturation |
|---|---|---|
| Triple Distilled Irish Pot Still Whiskey | Malted and unmalted barley | Aged over 4 years in refill American bourbon barrels |
| Irish Grain Whiskey | Maize/malt | Aged over 4 years in refill American bourbon barrels |
| Bourbon | 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley | Aged over 4 years in virgin oak barrels |
Does Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon manage to combine the best of Irish whiskey and Bourbon? Let’s find out.
Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon Specifications:
- Spirit: Whiskey.
- Classification: Blend.
- Age: NAS (No Age Statement).
- ABV: 46% (92 Proof).
- Price Paid: N/A (Sample from Keeper’s Heart).
- MSRP: $39.99 for 750 mL.
Tasting Notes:
- Color: Amber.
- Nose: Caramel, baking spices, stewed orchard and stone fruit, and vanilla.
- Palate: Sweet. Caramel, baking spices, stewed orchard and stone fruit – apple, pear, and apricot – plus orange zest, followed by cocoa, vanilla, and pepper.
- Finish: Short. More fruit, spices, and cocoa, accompanied by a light, pleasant oaky note.
With Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon, the team at O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. has succeeded in crafting a blend that combines the core characteristics of Irish whiskey and Bourbon. It’s not a flawless experience, as the finish could be longer and the flavor profile leans sweeter than I prefer, but the latter is a matter of personal preference. Those that gravitate towards sweeter Irish whiskeys and Bourbons will find a lot to like here.
Rating: C (73-76%).