Egan’s Irish Whiskey Legacy Reserve line is now an annual incarnation, and in year three it’s gained yet another year of age statement, bringing it up to 17 years old from its original 15. After 17 years in bourbon oak, this year’s finishing is done in French Cadillac AOC casks, which are used to age a sweet white wine similar to Sauternes.

To my great surprise, it’s not my favorite of the Legacy Reserve line, by a wide margin. The nose is brisk with lemon — fading toward lemongrass — with some camphor emerging after time in glass. It’s surprisingly a bit sharp, not mellow and soothing the way I’d expect from a whisky of this advanced age.

The palate kicks off with a bold apple note that recalls Calvados, another surprise, though this is soon replaced with a growing caramel note that feels relatively traditional. Notes of sandalwood are well evident, followed by a finish that features plenty of toasty cereal notes that feel late to the party. There’s a chocolate hint late in the game, but it’s mild, and not enough to elevate this bottling beyond some fairly straightforward basics.

At this price, and given the pedigree of the series to date, I’d hoped for more.

92 proof.

B+ / $200 / eganswhiskey.com [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]

Egan's Single Malt Irish Whiskey Legacy Reserve Volume III 17 Years Old

$200

8.5

Rating

8.5/10

BUY IT NOW

About Post Author

Christopher Null

Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. A veteran writer and journalist, he also operates Null Media, a bespoke content company.

See author's posts

Related Stories:

Review: Egan’s Single Malt Irish Whiskey Legacy Reserve Volume II 16 Years Old Review: Egan’s Single Malt Irish Whiskey Legacy Reserve 15 Years Old Review: Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey Line (2011) – Original, Reserve 10 Years Old, Special Reserve 12 Years Old, and Single Malt 10 Years Old Review: Egan’s Single Malt Irish Whiskey 10 Years Old