There’s a rugged romance to West Cork, wind-lashed coastlines, centuries of stories, and a spirit of independence that flows into every bottle they make. West Cork Black Cask Level #5 is the kind of whiskey you don’t just sip, you experience. First tasted, it’s like discovering a hidden pub off an Irish backroad, where warmth, woodsmoke, and laughter meet. Crafted with a quiet confidence, this dram invites you into the heart of Ireland’s rebel south.

West Cork Black Cask Level #5
Brand: West Cork Distillers | Category: Irish Blended Whiskey | ABV: 40% | Origin: Skibbereen, Ireland | Vol: 70cl

Tasting Profile
Nose: Like stepping into an old cooper’s workshop, warm oak, toasted vanilla, soft spice, and hints of honeyed apple.
Palate: Silky and mellow, with layers of sweet malt, dark chocolate, and a smoky wisp from those double-charred casks, it dances gently, never overpowers.
Finish: Lingers softly, with roasted nuts, oak char, and a flicker of cinnamon heat that fades like a sunset over the Atlantic.

Production Details
This blend starts its journey in first-fill bourbon casks, pulling in richness and vanilla warmth. Then comes the twist, a finish in intensely charred “black casks,” which caramelize the wood’s sugars and infuse the whiskey with deep toasty notes. It’s a bold move, but one that pays off in character and complexity.

Perfect For
Sharing by the fire after a rainy hike, winding down solo with music playing low, or pouring a round during story swapping nights with old friends. It’s a whiskey that adds mood and meaning.

Expert Notes
Often called a hidden gem among Irish blends, this release is celebrated for its innovation and balance, smooth enough for casual sipping, yet rich enough for seasoned palates. It’s not just well-reviewed; it’s well remembered.

Customer Reviews
🗣️ “Didn’t expect much, and then it knocked my socks off. Smoky, sweet, and dangerously drinkable.”
🗣️ “This is my ‘intro to Irish whiskey’ bottle. Everyone I pour it for ends up asking where they can get one.”
🗣️ “You can almost taste the Atlantic breeze. It’s like Ireland in a glass.”

Interesting Fact
The char level used for these finishing casks is so intense, it takes three times longer to prepare but that’s exactly what gives this whiskey its signature edge and depth.

Serving Suggestions
Try it neat first to appreciate the cask influence, then add a few drops of water to open up fruitier notes. Want something bolder? Use it in a smoky Old Fashioned with a flamed orange peel.

Distillery Background
Founded in 2003 by three childhood friends, two food scientists and a fisherman, West Cork Distillers is proudly independent, fiercely local, and deeply rooted in community. Nestled in Skibbereen, their distillery is powered by passion, local barley, and the wild Atlantic spirit that surrounds them.