Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/793596
march 2017 / the tasting panel / 93 Made f a King: FLAMING LEPRECHAUN If you have ever been to Boston for St. Patrick's Day, it's very obvious that the city takes particular pride in its abundant Irish heritage, which runs oh so deep. Even if you aren't Irish, you are welcomed and encouraged to join the sea of green and celebrate the Emerald Isle. So it comes as no surprise that an exciting new brand that proudly captures and celebrates this culture has emerged from Boston. Along with other spirits in its portfolio, Flaming Leprechaun produces a Special Reserve Irish Whiskey (SRP $33.99) and Fiery Irish Cinnamon Spirit (SRP $25.99), both 100 percent distilled in Ireland. The legend behind the name begins with the oldest known leprechaun clan, the DeDannans. Centuries ago, the High Kings searched for a gift to offer their yearly festival guests, so they asked the DeDannan family to find a solution, since they already provided many services for the High Kings. The DeDannans produced a magical potion, which encouraged the guests to enjoy the festivities more thoroughly. These spirits quickly became more and more poplar, and the five brother leprechauns vowed to always allow everyone to enjoy the enchantment of their liquid, thus, the Flaming Leprechaun team and legend was born. While the modern-day Flaming Leprechaun team might no longer be made up of the DeDannan clan, their top-quality spirits still fall in line with the long legacy of the spirit, which landed in North America last year after receiving several accolades at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The Irish Whiskey—taking on the leprechaun persona of King Ultan— rests in bourbon casks for four to ten years, and its Fiery Irish Cinnamon Spirit—which honors Fintan, a leprechaun whose still lies deep in the Siverine Mountains—is infused with all-natural cinnamon essential oil and spice, adding a kick to your favorite cocktail. No matter the spirit or occasion, now you can enjoy the spirit of St. Patrick's Day every time you open a bottle, and you'll be glad that the Flaming Leprechauns have shared their secret with the world! The Flaming Leprechaun brothers, including the personification of the brand's Fiery Irish Cinnamon Spirit (far left) and Special Reserve Irish Whiskey (center). ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF FLAMING LEPRECHAUN Tasting Notes Flaming Leprechaun Special Reserve Irish Whiskey A blend of ten- and four-year-old Irish whiskeys, aged in bourbon barrels, the aromas from this frisky spirit evoke lime toffee and peach-apricot on the nose. At 92-proof, it makes a dramatic, prickly spiced entrance at first sip. Orange zest dances a jig around a melted brown sugar dress- ing that becomes unctuous on a peach pithiness. Playful and energetic. 91 —Meridith May Flaming Leprechaun Fiery Cinnamon Irish Spirit With cinnamon in the headline role on the label's marquis, there's no doubt of its sweet presence on the nose and palate. It's how the cinnamon per- forms that counts. Bright and extroverted, the baking spice shouts its flavor profile aromatically, adding a touch of black tea and a wash of orange skin. But it gracefully backs down on the tongue, with a warm, cozy nature that feels like melted cinnamon butter on toast. Charming! 92 —M. M. UNITED LIQUORS A blend of ten- and four-year-old Irish whiskeys, the aromas from this frisky nose. At 92-proof, it makes entrance at first sip. Orange zest dances a jig around a melted brown sugar dress- ing that becomes unctuous With cinnamon in the headline role on the label's marquis, there's no doubt and extroverted, the baking profile aromatically, adding wash of orange skin. But it cozy nature that feels like melted cinnamon butter on UNITED LIQUORS