The HYDE family have been involved in the Irish drinks business for over twelve generations since 1640. HYDE is presidential quality Irish whiskey named in honour of Ireland’s very first president Douglas Hyde. President HYDE was an inspirational figure who helped to define Ireland’s national identity.
They pride themselves on carefully hand selecting the very finest Irish whiskey, made by only the very best Irish whiskey distilleries, which they then finish in vintage oak casks which are source directly from distilleries and bodegas around the world.
Conor Hyde very kindly sent me a set of samples to give me an insight into some of their range of award winning whiskies. I gave each of the three samples a good nose and taste and here are my tasting notes and thoughts:
Hyde No. 6 Presidents Reserve – 1938
I kicked things off with the No.6 Presidents Reserve.
Blended Irish Whiskey
18 year old Single Malt & 8 year old Single Grain
Sherry Cask Finish
46% ABV
Nose: On the nose I got lots of the grain, soft leather and an almost soapy aroma.
Palate: The palate on this dram was very consistent with the notes I got on the nose; plenty of grain, loads of leather, hints of oak and that creamy Irish character shining through.
Hyde No.1 Presidents Cask – 10 Year Old
Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Initially matured in Bourbon barrels
Finished in first fill Oloroso Sherry casks
46% ABV
Nose: Again I picked up on this gentle soapy aroma, with dried fruits, a definite woody note and plenty of citrus.
Palate: This dram had a really thick textured feel to it, which is something I am a fan of. I got plenty of caramel with a subtle creaminess and an aftertaste of peach.
Hyde No.8 Heritage Cask – 1640
75% Single Grain
Bourbon Cask Matured
25% Single Malt
Sherry Cask Matured
43%
Nose: I struggled a little with the nose on this one, I could definitely get vanilla and a very subtle malty aroma.
Palate: I could really notice the dip in ABV compared to the other drams, this one felt really thin for me with a much softer mouth feel. It was very gentle with a subtle malty and almost biscuity taste.
My favourite out of the above drams was the Hyde No. 6 Presidents Reserve – 1938. I was really drawn to the leather notes that I got, balanced nicely with the creamy flavour that’s often present in Irish Whiskeys.
If you want to get your hands on a bottle of Hyde Whiskey and taste it for yourself you can find their bottles here: https://www.masterofmalt.com/distilleries/hibernia-whiskey