For the first time, I’ve planned ahead for St. Patrick’s Day to prepare an Irish whiskey review. We’re taking this opportunity to do something I’ve been eagerly awaiting: reviewing the complete Dingle Celtic Wheel of the Year collection. I waited for the collection to be complete, then I waited a bit longer, partly due to procrastination, as reviewing nine whiskies isn’t something that can be rushed or done in a single day. I’m only human! Now that the collection is complete, let’s dive into all nine Dingle Celtic Wheel of the Year expressions!
A Disclaimer Before We Start
As mentioned in previous Dingle reviews, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Dingle Distillery for a few years, assisting them at Whisky Live Paris from 2021 to 2023. Additionally, in April 2023, I spent a week at the distillery for a behind-the-scenes experience, learning every step of whiskey production, from mashing to bottling. I even had the opportunity to fill hundreds of Dingle Bealtaine bottles during my visit. My affection for this distillery and their whiskey is genuine, and I’ve replaced several of my own bottles over time.
All the reviews below are based on my personal collection. While most were purchased with my own money, a few were gifts from Dingle Distillery and the wonderful Fay & Graham Coull. Nonetheless, I will review these nine whiskies as impartially as possible and will include ratings this time, as I am no longer affiliated with the distillery. It’s worth noting that Graham and Fay also have since returned to Scotland.
I always strive to review bottles and samples honestly and fairly, but I wanted to ensure transparency regarding my past connection with Dingle Distillery.
Dingle Samhain (2022) Review
The first instalment of this series is Dingle Samhain. Samhain is an ancient Celtic festival celebrated in Ireland from October 31 to November 1, marking the end of the harvest season and the start of winter. It was seen as a time when the boundary between this world and the Otherworld was more permeable, allowing spirits to cross over. The festival involved communal feasts, bonfires, and rituals to honour the dead and celebrate the harvest. Many traditions from Samhain have influenced the modern celebration of Halloween. Today, Samhain remains an important cultural event in Ireland, celebrated through various festivals and gatherings that honour its ancient roots.
Dingle Samhain is a Single Malt whiskey initially matured in ex-bourbon casks, followed by a two-year finish in first-fill ex-Portuguese Muscatel casks. The release consisted of 10,000 bottles, free from chill filtration and artificial coloring. It remains available in Europe with an original recommended retail price of €85.
Colour:
Deep gold.
Nose:
Neat: The nose begins with a fruity sweetness, featuring grapes, cherries, plums, and red berries, accompanied by a subtle sourness reminiscent of sour cherries. Notes of muesli and almonds add a cereal and nutty dimension. The aroma evolves to highlight raspberries and strawberries, along with earthy and leafy undertones of wet autumn leaves and moss. A hint of allspice rounds it out.
With water: The nose becomes sharper and more vinous, with notes of lemon juice, barley sugar, cardamom, and a touch of mint.
Palate:
Neat: The palate is sweet and spicy, with crushed grapes, figs, dates, strawberries and raspberries, but also walnut wine and hazelnuts, cherries, and black pepper for the spicy side. It’s quite buttery and biscuity as well (tea biscuits), milk chocolate and gummy bears.
With water: The addition of water enhances the vinous character and brings out more almond and hazelnut notes, as well as making the palate maltier.
Finish:
The finish leaves a pleasant warmth in the mouth. The finish is more vinous than the palate, with notes of marzipan, oak spices, and sweet soy sauce. Ginger and pepper provide a gentle tingle on the tip of the tongue, with a slightly drying effect.
Comments:
This review is based on my third bottle of Dingle Samhain. I’ve been a fan of this whiskey since my first taste; its vinous character is distinct from typical red wine cask finishes. Samhain is rich and indulgent, making it really enjoyable.
Rating: 7.5/10
Dingle Lá ’le Bríde (2023) Review
The second release is Dingle Lá ’le Bríde. Lá ’le Bríde, also known as St. Brigid’s Day, is celebrated on February 1st in Ireland. It marks the beginning of spring and honours St. Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints alongside St. Patrick and St. Columcille. The day is rooted in ancient Celtic traditions, particularly the festival of Imbolc, which celebrates fertility, blessings, and protection. St. Brigid is associated with various traditions, including the making of St. Brigid’s Crosses from rushes, which are hung in homes for protection. Another tradition involves the Brideog, a doll-like figure of Brigid, which girls would carry in processions, symbolising purity and youth. These customs reflect the blending of pre-Christian and Christian practices in Ireland. The celebration of Lá ’le Bríde signifies the transition from winter to spring, embodying hope and renewal. It remains an important cultural event in Ireland, with many communities continuing to observe these traditions.
Dingle Lá ’le Bríde is a Single Malt first matured in ex-bourbon casks, then finished in ex-Rye casks. Also a 10,000-bottle release, filled at 50.5% ABV. By the way, they’re all natural colour and non-chill filtered. Still available in Europe (around €80–85) and in the UK (around £83).
Colour:
Deep gold.
Nose:
Neat: The nose is intense and slightly sharp, featuring oak spices and a hint of bitterness. Notes of sugar cane syrup, wine gums, dried raspberries, and cranberries are present, along with allspice and floral undertones. A subtle nuttiness is also detectable, with the rye cask influence being quite discreet, perhaps hinted through bread dough.
With water: Aromas of dusty shelves, wood, vanilla, and honey emerge, accompanied by a teaspoon of… tea.
Palate:
Neat: The palate offers a creamy mouthfeel with flavours of strawberry ice cream and yogurt, complemented by milk chocolate. Herbal notes of thyme and fennel are present, along with hazelnuts, a few drops of lemon juice, and a pinch of allspice.
With water: Initially sweeter, followed by a spicy kick of pepper and chili. The profile then turns bitter with notes of dark chocolate and coffee beans.
Finish:
The finish is medium in length and features a mix of strawberries, apples, oranges, and lemons, rounded out by dark chocolate.
Comments:
Rye casks often impart strong notes of bread dough, spices, and lemon, which can sometimes dominate the original spirit. However, in this case, the cask finish is beautifully integrated and not overpowering. The balance is commendable, although the palate might be slightly too sweet for some.
Rating: 7/10
Dingle Bealtaine (2023) Review
The third release is Dingle Bealtaine. Bealtaine, also known as Beltane, is an ancient Gaelic festival celebrated on May 1st, marking the beginning of summer in Ireland. It is one of the four major seasonal festivals, along with Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh. Bealtaine is celebrated with various traditions, including the lighting of bonfires, decorating homes with May flowers, and visiting holy wells. These rituals were believed to offer protection and encourage growth and fertility. The festival has deep roots in Irish mythology and folklore, with references found in some of the earliest Irish literature. It was a time when the aos sí, or fairies, were thought to be particularly active, and many of the traditions aimed to appease or ward them off. The lighting of bonfires was a central part of the celebration, with all household fires extinguished and then relit from the Bealtaine bonfire. In modern times, Bealtaine continues to be celebrated in various forms, including cultural events and festivals that honour the traditions of the past. The Hill of Uisneach in County Westmeath is a significant location for Bealtaine celebrations, with a ceremonial fire lit each year to mark the occasion. The festival has also seen a revival in interest among neopagans and those seeking to connect with ancient Celtic traditions.
Dingle Bealtaine is a Single Pot Still whiskey, crafted from a blend of malted and unmalted barley. It is initially matured in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in ex-Australian Shiraz wine casks. This release is limited to 5,500 bottles and is bottled at a slightly higher strength of 52.5% ABV compared to the previous two releases. It remains available, around £85/€95.
Colour:
Auburn.
Nose:
Neat: Rich with dark and red fruits, including strawberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, and blackberries. Notes of dried apricots and figs complement the profile, along with vanilla, caramel, and dark chocolate. Vinous undertones are present, accompanied by single pot still spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and coriander.
With water: Spices become more pronounced, reminiscent of golden curry paste and allspice. Additional notes of dates, prunes, and damson plum pie emerge.
Palate:
Neat: The Shiraz finish is more prominent compared to Lá ’le Bríde, with distinct vinous notes. Flavours of raisins, prunes, plums, and single pot still spices are evident. Cherries are also notable, evoking something between cherry liqueur-filled chocolates (Mon Chéri) and Black Forest cake.
With water: Reduction brings out additional sweetness, with notes of pecans, brown sugar, and caramelised nuts.
Finish:
The finish is medium in length, with flavours of red wine, wine gums, Mon Chéri chocolate, and a lingering spiciness.
Comments:
Although I have a special connection with Bealtaine, having personally filled, corked, and boxed hundreds of bottles of this very release (you can see me filling bottles and working at the distillery the week it was bottled on this article), it isn’t my favourite due to the vinous notes being too prominent for my taste. If you enjoy wine cask finishes, you’ll likely appreciate this expression. However, since it’s not my preference, I must admit that Dingle Bealtaine isn’t my top choice in the series.
Rating: 6/10
Dingle Lúnasa (2023) Review
The fourth expression in the Celtic Wheel of the Year series is Dingle Lúnasa. Lúnasa, also known as Lughnasadh, is an ancient Gaelic festival celebrated on August 1st, marking the beginning of the harvest season in Ireland. It is one of the four major Gaelic festivals, along with Imbolc, Bealtaine, and Samhain. Lúnasa was traditionally a time for communities to gather, often at significant heights or near water, to enjoy festivities, sports, and bilberry-picking. The festival honours the god Lugh and includes various customs aimed at ensuring a good harvest. The name Lúnasa is also used to refer to the month of August in Irish. The festival has evolved over time, with some traditions persisting into modern times, and it remains a significant cultural event in Ireland. Additionally, Lúnasa is the name of a renowned traditional Irish music group that performs internationally, known for their blend of traditional and contemporary Irish instrumental music.
Dingle Lúnasa is a Single Malt matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in Widow Jane first-fill ex-bourbon casks. Bottled at 50.5% ABV, it was a release of 10,000 bottles. Still available, with an RRP of €85
Colour:
Deep gold.
Nose:
Neat: The nose features orchard and yellow fruits with a slight tropical twist, including apple, peach, pineapple, and mango. Notes of vanilla, honey, fresh grass, and freshly baked cookies are present, along with a hint of lemon zest. A subtle minerality is there as well, reminiscent of chalk.
With water: Aromas of dry hay emerge, accompanied by hints of coconut shavings and pencil shavings.
Palate:
Neat: The palate features flavours of peach, strawberry, and raspberry, though the tropical notes from the nose are absent. Oak spices and pepper provide a warm contrast, complemented by milk chocolate, honey, and white sugar. Notes of caramelised nuts and muesli are present, with a hint of pine needles. The mouthfeel is creamy.
With water: Cereal notes become more pronounced, along with increased pepper and a touch of chili heat. The profile is rounded out by melted chocolate atop profiteroles.
Finish:
The finish is slightly drying, with a spicy character (pepper and allspice), accompanied by wood bitterness, tannins, and an espresso note. Traces of apricot-flavoured yogurt linger as well.
Comments:
Dingle Lúnasa is balanced, contrasting oak astringency and minerality with tropical fruit and caramel and honey sweetness. It is bright, rich, and dense, resulting in a sunny and invigorating summery dram.
Rating: 7.5/10
Dingle Grianstad an Gheimhridh (2023) Review
The fifth release is Dingle Grianstad an Gheimhridh. Grianstad an Gheimhridh is the Irish term for the Winter Solstice, which marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It is celebrated around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. This solstice has been observed in Ireland for thousands of years and holds significant cultural and spiritual importance. The term translates to ‘the stopping of the sun’, reflecting the pause in the sun’s apparent movement across the sky as it reaches its lowest point on the horizon.
Dingle Grianstad an Gheimhridh (I nicknamed it Dingle GrrraG, don’t ask me how we’re supposed to pronounce its name) is a single malt matured in ex-bourbon casks before a finish in Tawny Port casks. Dingle released 7,800 bottles, filled at 50.5% ABV, and as usual, without chill filtration nor additional colouring. Still available around €85/£83.
Colour:
Between Russet and Tawny.
Nose:
Neat: The influence of port casks is immediately apparent without being overpowering. Sweet and sour aromas of brown sugar, vanilla, and caramel are balanced by vinous notes and a hint of citrus. Spices such as pepper, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.
With water: The nose becomes a bit more sharp, mineral and nutty.
Palate:
Neat: The palate is more vinous, with a pronounced spicy character featuring black pepper, cloves, and chili. Flavours of slightly unripe strawberries, raspberries, grapefruit, and chocolate are present, along with orange marmalade and toasted bread. The mouthfeel is creamy.
With water: Strawberries ripen, and the mouthfeel thickens, reminiscent of melted chocolate. Hints of quince, apples, and pears emerge.
Finish:
Features chocolate, grape juice, and an unripe strawberry soup, with a touch of wood. Medium length.
Comments:
Although I’m no longer a fan of port cask maturation or finishes, I must admit that it works well in this case. Initially, I wasn’t fully convinced when tasting it neat, but adding a few drops of water tames the vinous side and enhances the fruitiness and sweetness, making it quite enjoyable. Neat, I rated it a 6, but with reduction, this Dingle Grianstad an Gheimhridh slightly improves to a 6.5 out of 10.
Rating: 6.5/10
Dingle Cónocht an Earraigh (2024) Review
We’re two thirds down with Dingle Cónocht an Earraigh, the sixth release out of nine in this Celtic Wheel of the Year series. Cónocht an Earraigh is the Irish term for the Spring Equinox, marking the time of year when the day and night are of equal length, and the energy of the earth comes into balance. It is celebrated as a time of vitality and growth, symbolising the renewal of nature as the seasons transition from winter to spring. This period is significant in the Celtic calendar and is honoured in various cultural and spiritual practices in Ireland.
Dingle Cónocht an Earraigh is once again a Single Malt matured in ex-Bourbon casks, this time finished in Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks. It’s a smaller release of just 3,000 bottles, still filled at 50.5% ABV. Still available, with an RRP of €85/£83.50, but many German shops list it for a slightly lower price, for instance.
Colour:
Chestnut.
Nose:
Neat: Red and black berries such as strawberry, raspberry, and blackcurrant, along with notes of cherry-flavoured candy. The nose is notably not vinous, which is a positive aspect and alleviates my usual concerns with wine cask finishes. Spices are minimal, with only traces of cinnamon and hints of marzipan, resulting in a soft and somewhat shy aroma.
With water: Aromas of brown sugar, cedar, and baking spices emerge.
Palate:
Neat: The Cabernet Sauvignon finish is much more pronounced on the palate. It begins with winey notes and red and dark fruits, though less distinct than on the nose: cherries, plums, and prunes blend together. Flavours of treacle, toffee, and eucalyptus are present, along with wood tannins, strong wine notes, and a significant peppery heat. The mouthfeel is creamy.
With water: Initially sweeter, but quickly returns to dark fruits and wood tannins, with a slight sulfurous note.
Finish:
The finish is medium long, with peppery heat, red wine, wood, and cherry.
Comments:
This expression is definitely not my favourite among the nine. While the wine influence was subtle on the nose when neat, it became more pronounced on the palate and even more so after reduction, where traces of sulfur can be detected. If you enjoy whiskies matured or finished in red wine casks, you might appreciate this Dingle Cónocht an Earraigh. However, in my opinion, the finish overshadows the Dingle spirit in a less than ideal way.
Rating: 4/10
Dingle Grianstad an tSamhraidh (2024) Review
We continue with Dingle Grianstad an tSamhraidh. Grianstad an tSamhraidh is the Irish term for the Summer Solstice, marking the longest day of the year. It is a time of vitality, strength, fertility, harmony, and abundance, celebrated in Ireland with various traditions that honour the sun and the land’s fertility. This solstice is known as Midsummer and is celebrated on June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere.
Dingle Grianstad an tSamhraidh returns to a Single Pot Still whiskey, initially matured in ex-bourbon casks like others in the series, but this time finished in rye casks, similar to Lá ‘le Bríde (which was a single malt). Single Pot Still bottlings from Dingle are typically released at a higher strength, and this expression is no exception at 52.5% ABV. These bottlings tend to be slightly more expensive due to the lower alcohol yield per ton of barley compared to Single Malt, requiring more barley in the mash. The recommended retail price was €95, although some German shops list it for significantly less, sometimes as low as €65. This release consisted of 9,000 bottles.
Colour:
Jonquille.
Nose:
Neat: Initially sweet with notes of honey, vanilla, and gummy bears. Fruity and lactic aromas of strawberry jam, apricot yogurt, peaches, and pears are present, along with marzipan and shortcrust pastry. The overall impression is summery and inviting.
With water: Aromas of Jaffa cakes, tea biscuits, sandalwood, and green apple emerge.
Palate:
Neat: An abundance of summer fruits such as apricots, strawberries, and peaches. Notes of ginger and mint add freshness, while cereal flavours of malt and rye bread are complemented by liquorice roots, hazelnuts, almonds, and sandalwood.
With water: Fruit flavours become almost tropical, accompanied by honey, custard, pepper, and coriander.
Finish:
Spices linger with sweet marzipan and honey, alongside toasted all-grain bread with strawberry jam and a hint of lemon.
Comments:
This whiskey is delightfully summery, offering a harmonious blend of fruity and spicy notes. The balance is exquisite, and surprisingly, the lemon notes are far subtler than anticipated, given the rye cask finish. Overall, it’s a refreshing and well-rounded Dingle whiskey.
Rating: 6.5/10
Dingle Cónocht an Fómhair (2024) Review
The penultimate release in this series is Dingle Cónocht an Fómhair. Cónocht an Fómhair is the Irish term for the Autumn Equinox, which falls between the harvest festival of Lúnasa and the otherworldly festival of Samhain. It marks a time of balance in the natural world as the days and nights are of equal length before the transition into the cooler, shorter days of winter. This equinox is celebrated as a moment of harmony and preparation for the changing seasons.
Dingle Cónocht an Fómhair is a single malt whiskey, initially matured in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in ex-rum casks. This release is limited to 4,000 bottles, each bottled at the series’ standard 50.5% ABV for single malts. It is currently available for less than €75 in Germany and €85 or more elsewhere in Europe.
Colour:
Yellow gold.
Nose:
Neat: Distinct from the other Dingle, the nose is fruity with notes of oranges, mandarin, sweet grapefruit, rhubarb jam, and a hint of pineapple, accompanied by a citrusy tartness. Spices such as paprika and cumin are present. With aeration, vanilla, pomelo, kumquat, and hints of marmite emerge.
With water: The fruit aromas concentrate on mandarin and clementine, with a touch of dustiness.
Palate:
Neat: The palate reflects the nose with all the fruits mentioned above. And quite some lime juice. The palate is really tangy, like an Arlequin candy without its dominant banana flavour.
With water: Sweet milk caramel candy, fudge, but also a hit of peppery heat.
Finish:
The fruits persist, with tangy flavours at the forefront, complemented by wood bitterness, honey, and coffee grounds. The finish is of good length, leaving a lingering warmth in the throat.
Comments:
Excellent fruity, tropical and summery single malt, this Dingle Cónocht an Fómhair is a delicious dram and one of my favourites of the series. The rum cask finish brought a different fruit profile than the one found of the other Dingle of the series: fresh, tangy and summery. A real success.
Rating: 8/10
Dingle Lá an Dreoilín (2024) Review
Finally there’s Dingle Lá an Dreoilín, the ninth and final release of the Dingle Celtic Wheel of the Year series. Lá an Dreoilín, also known as Wren’s Day, is celebrated on December 26th, the day after Christmas, which is also St. Stephen’s Day. Traditionally, groups known as ‘Wren Boys’ would hunt a wren, place it on a pole, and parade it through the town while singing and collecting money or food from households. This custom was believed to bring good luck for the coming year. The origins of Wren’s Day are unclear, but it is thought to have pagan roots, possibly related to ancient Celtic rituals or winter solstice celebrations. The wren was often referred to as the ‘king of the birds’, and its capture was seen as a symbolic act. Over time, the practice of hunting an actual wren has largely been replaced by using a fake wren or other symbolic representations. Today, Wren’s Day is celebrated in various parts of Ireland, particularly in the Dingle Peninsula, where it remains a vibrant tradition with parades, music, and festivities. The logo of Dingle Distillery is the scary silhouette of a Wren Boy – holding a sheaf of grain in one hand and a scythe in the other.
Dingle Lá an Dreoilín completes the Dingle Celtic Wheel of the Year series, bringing it full circle as a 9-year-old Single Pot Still whiskey. Initially matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in Muscatel casks, it mirrors the finish of Samhain, the series’ first release (which was a Single Malt). Like the other Single Pot Still expressions in the series, it is bottled at 52.5% ABV, with a limited release of 4,000 bottles. Despite an RRP of €95 in Ireland, it can be found for around €80 in Germany or €85 in the Netherlands.
Colour:
Deep gold.
Nose:
Neat: The nose features plums, raisins, and figs, along with strawberry jam accentuated by a pinch of chili. A slight lactic note, reminiscent of yogurt enzymes, is present. Spices such as cumin and cinnamon bring some spicy depth, while an autumnal forest walk evokes wet fallen leaves, moss, and damp soil.
With water: Whispers of chocolate, almonds, and hazelnuts emerge, accompanied by very light winey aromas.
Palate:
Neat: The arrival is sweet, followed by soft spices that develop after a few seconds, including a pinch of pepper and chili. Wood notes appear, along with milk chocolate, and finally dried fruits such as figs, dates, prunes, and raisins.
With water: Reduction offers icing sugar, lemon juice, white chocolate, and a kick of pepper and Tabasco sauce.
Finish:
The finish mirrors the palate with lingering spices, dried fruit sweetness, and chocolate. A touch of wood is also present.
Comments:
We return to the beginning of the series with this Moscatel finish, now applied to a Single Pot Still rather than a Single Malt, and circling back to Samhain. Dingle Lá an Dreoilín serves as a fitting conclusion to the Celtic Wheel of the Year series. It is rich in flavour, evolving beautifully over time in the glass, and truly delicious. Well done, Dingle.
