Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey is a brand that has gained considerable popularity in recent years, thanks in large part to its famous founder and owner, Conor McGregor. The whiskey is marketed as a high-quality spirit with a distinct flavor profile that reflects the rugged Irish landscape and heritage. However, after sampling the drink, I was left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed by what I perceived as a lack of depth and refinement.
One of the most notable aspects of Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey is its price point. At around $25 for a 750ml bottle, it is significantly cheaper than many other premium whiskeys on the market. However, it is worth noting that price alone does not necessarily indicate quality. In the case of Proper No. Twelve, I found that the lower cost was reflective of the whiskey’s lack of depth and complexity.
Upon first opening the bottle, I was greeted with a harsh, alcohol-forward scent that was not particularly pleasant. There was a hint of sweetness underneath the alcohol, but it was not enough to balance out the harshness. As I poured the whiskey into a glass and took my first sip, I was struck by how unrefined the flavor was. There was a distinct bitterness that lingered in the mouth, along with an astringent quality that left a somewhat unpleasant aftertaste.
I tried the whiskey both neat and with a splash of water, but neither preparation really helped to smooth out the harshness. I was left with a lingering sense of disappointment, as I had hoped for something that would be more complex and nuanced.
One of the things that Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey is marketed on is its connection to Conor McGregor, the famous MMA fighter and entrepreneur. The whiskey is named after the Dublin postal district where McGregor grew up, and the bottle features his signature and a picture of a rampant lion, which is a nod to McGregor’s fighting persona. While the association with McGregor may help to boost the brand’s profile, I don’t feel that it really adds anything to the whiskey itself. In fact, it almost feels like a gimmick, rather than a legitimate selling point.
Another area where Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey falls short, in my opinion, is in its lack of complexity. While some whiskey drinkers may appreciate a more straightforward, rugged flavor profile, I personally found that the whiskey lacked the depth and nuance that I look for in a premium spirit. The flavors were one-dimensional and unrefined, with little to no complexity. The harshness of the alcohol and the bitterness of the finish were the dominant notes, with little else to balance them out.
In conclusion, while Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey may have some appeal for drinkers who are looking for a more rugged, straightforward whiskey at an affordable price point, it falls short in terms of complexity and refinement. The flavor profile lacks depth and nuance, with little to balance out the harshness and bitterness. While the association with Conor McGregor may help to boost the brand’s profile, it ultimately feels like a gimmick, rather than a legitimate selling point. Overall, I cannot in good conscience recommend Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey to those who value quality and craftsmanship in their spirits
