First Impressions
Shortcross Cask Aged takes their wild-clover Irish gin and rests it for four months in European oak from a Bordeaux wine estate. The wood transforms the botanicals delicately rather than dominating, creating a nuanced aged gin from County Down.
Tasting
The nose shows floral clover with vanillin and barrel notes, herbaceous juniper and toasted walnut. On the palate, crisp wood early with green garden notes — clover, yarrow, the Bordeaux oak adding delicate transformation. The finish is resiny with restrained wood.
The Bottom Line
Shortcross Cask Aged earns an 8 for barrel-aged gin done with restraint. The Bordeaux oak adds warmth without overwhelming the wild clover and elderflower, and the result smells perfectly balanced. A contemplative sipping gin from Ireland's most awarded gin distillery.
