Review #13: Two Stacks The First Cut

Founded in 2020 by Shane McCarthy, Liam Brogan & Donal McLynn with fresh knowledge and experience in the globalized world of spirits.

Two Stacks was inspired by the traditions of old and contemporary brands of new. Opening one of Ireland’s only independent bonding & blending facilities in 2022, with the ambition to combine these worlds together.

Our unique approach to working with some of Irelands leading  distilleries; selecting the finest spirit distilled across the Island  allows us to create incredible expressions of whiskey never crafted nor tasted before. We continue to build our reputation on top of three key fundamentals and to help shape the future in Irish whiskey

A few years ago my wife and I made a trip up to Los Angeles for a few days to celebrate my birthday. And as a surprise she took me to a wonderful wine & spirits shop, where we purchased this bottle and the St George. When we got back to our hotel we grabbed some coffee mugs and gave each a try.

Two Stacks The First Cut is their flagship whiskey and is a unique and complex 5-part blend of grain, pot-still, and malt Irish Whiskey. It comprises light & dark grain Whiskeys (80%), double & peated Malts (12%), and pot-still Whiskey (8%). Creating a rather unique flavor profile that I haven't really tasted anywhere else. And it may not be for everyone.

Nose: There was a pretty harsh bite on the nose, making it almost unpleasant to enjoy. But as it sat there for a bit, you start to get a bunch of fruity notes, almost tropical. This is balanced with more earthy tones too, vanilla and some nuts. Although this included some ex-bourbon peated malt, I didn't really get any peat on the nose.

Palate: On the first sip it is rather spicy mixed in with a sweetness, almost like honey and pepper mixed in together. The earthy nuttiness does continue to come though in the mouth and brings with it a bit of sherry too.

I really wanted to love Two Stacks, it was given to me on a special occasion and from a very unique distillery. But it just has a bit of bite on the nose and mouth that's difficult to get through. I have no doubt that over time it's something that I will start to enjoy, maybe even cutting it down with water could potentially help. But at 43% I wouldn't expect that would be an issue.

As you can see from the photo I've made a bit of a dent in the bottle already and is one that I do try and get back to every now and then. I am hoping with time it is one that I will get to love and I will give it the time and patience.