A little background

The Busker is a “new world” Irish Whiskey that pays homage to its Irish roots. But unlike other Irish Whiskies, The Busker was born to be in America. The Busker Single Grain is part of The Busker Single Collection. According to The Busker, in the history of Ireland, the centuries-old production of whiskey has always consisted of three classic styles: Single Grain, Single Malt and Single Pot Still. The Busker Single Grain is matured and finished in bourbon and marsala casks before being bottled at 88.6 proof and sold for an MSRP of around $30 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Straw

Nose

The nose is quite unique and unlike anything else from The Busker portfolio. Sweet lemon hard candy, taffy, popcorn, vanilla, cinnamon, and a faint vitamin note.

Palate

Very different and very sweet. Overripe sweet banana, lemon, vanilla, and oak.

Finish

The finish is fairly short and leaves the month with remnants of the sweet palate. Lingering notes of bananas, vanilla, buttered popcorn. and simple syrup.

In closing

In short, The Busker Single Grain is by no means bad. However, it’s without a question different and far from what I’d consider a typical whiskey. It’s quite sweet, maybe even what some would consider cloyingly sweet. In my opinion, the mouthfeel is one of the best qualities of The Busker Single Grain. It’s oily and viscous and coats the mouth very well. The only downside to this bottle is that its youthfulness shines through and it’s overwhelmingly sweet. Would I buy a bottle? I indeed would, however, I’d first be buying a bottle of The Busker Single Malt, Single Pot Still, or Triple Cask Triple Smooth.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of The Busker. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.