{"product_id":"union-hall-12-year-spanish-rioja-cask-irish-whiskey","title":"Union Hall 12 Year Spanish Rioja Cask Irish Whiskey","description":"\u003cp\u003eUnion Hall Spanish Single Malt Rioja Cask Finish is a 12-year-old Irish whiskey that marries traditional copper pot still distillation with Spanish wine cask finishing, creating a distinctive single malt at 92 proof. This expression from West Cork Distillers showcases the art of dual maturation, spending eight years in ex-bourbon American oak before completing its journey in first-fill Rioja wine casks from Spain's renowned wine region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrafted in honor of the trawlermen who founded West Cork Distillers, this whiskey embodies the maritime spirit of Cork's coastal heritage. From the rugged shores where coordinates 51° 33' N, 9° 08' W mark their distillery, West Cork captures the essence of Irish whiskey tradition while embracing innovative cask finishing techniques. The copper pot stills that shape this spirit echo the same craftsmanship that has defined Irish whiskey for centuries, now enhanced by the rich terroir of Spanish Rioja wine barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dried prunes, fresh fig, ripe strawberry, vanilla oak, subtle wine tannins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Luxurious red berries, crème brûlée richness, toasted oak spice, gentle pepper warmth, honeyed malt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to long with lingering berry sweetness, oak tannins, and warming spice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpirit Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIrish Single Malt Whiskey\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eABV\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e46.0% (92 Proof)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVolume\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e750ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAge Statement\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 Years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDistillery\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWest Cork Distillers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRegion\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCork, Ireland\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMash Bill\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Irish Malted Barley\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBarrel Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEx-Bourbon American Oak (8 years) + Spanish Rioja Wine Casks (4 years)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEvening contemplation:\u003c\/strong\u003e The complex wine cask influence rewards slow, mindful sipping as autumn light fades\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial celebrations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Its unique Spanish finishing makes it memorable for marking life's important moments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhiskey exploration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perfect introduction to wine-finished Irish whiskeys for bourbon and scotch enthusiasts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFireside gatherings:\u003c\/strong\u003e The berry and spice notes complement the warmth of intimate conversations by the hearth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does Union Hall Spanish Rioja Cask Irish Whiskey taste like?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnion Hall delivers a rich, fruit-forward profile with prominent red berry flavors from its Rioja cask finishing, balanced by traditional Irish whiskey characteristics of vanilla and honey. The Spanish wine influence adds layers of dried fruit, subtle tannins, and a creamy texture reminiscent of crème brûlée, while maintaining the clean, smooth character expected from quality Irish single malt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Union Hall good for cocktails or better neat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnion Hall is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to fully appreciate its complex wine cask influence and 12-year maturation. The delicate berry and vanilla notes from the Rioja finishing would be overwhelmed in most cocktails, though it could work beautifully in a simple whiskey and wine cocktail that honors its Spanish heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does Union Hall compare to other Irish whiskeys?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnion Hall stands apart from traditional Irish whiskeys through its Spanish Rioja cask finishing, which imparts wine-like berry flavors rarely found in Irish expressions. Unlike typical Irish whiskeys that rely solely on ex-bourbon barrels, this dual maturation process creates a more complex, fruit-forward profile that bridges the gap between Irish whiskey and wine-finished Scotch whiskies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Union Hall 12 Year worth the premium price?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnion Hall represents excellent value for a 12-year-old single malt with unique wine cask finishing, offering complexity typically found in more expensive expressions. The combination of extended aging, Spanish Rioja barrel finishing, and West Cork's quality distillation creates a distinctive whiskey that justifies its positioning in the premium Irish whiskey category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat should I expect from the Rioja cask finishing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Spanish Rioja cask finishing adds distinctive red berry characteristics, subtle wine tannins, and a rounded mouthfeel that distinguishes this whiskey from standard Irish expressions. Expect flavors reminiscent of strawberry, dried prunes, and fig, along with a slightly drier finish than typical Irish whiskeys, creating a sophisticated balance between whiskey tradition and Spanish wine influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Union Hall","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43369587507274,"sku":"UH12YSRCIW","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/6095\/7258\/files\/front_2b302e86-a154-4b19-af89-0e278587c242.jpg?v=1772819045","url":"https:\/\/theoldrickhouse.com\/products\/union-hall-12-year-spanish-rioja-cask-irish-whiskey","provider":"The Old Rickhouse","version":"1.0","type":"link"}