Natterjack is among the newest additions to the revitalized and ever growing Irish whiskey market. Operating out of Gortinore Distillers and Co. in Dublin, the brand gets its name from the Natterjack Toad, the only toad native to Ireland. There are three whiskies currently in Naterjack’s lineup, but all three come from the same basis. The mash is 80% corn and 20% malted barley, it undergoes a triple distillation process, and is aged in ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in fresh, first-fill oak. Despite the range in character, it’s a strong foundation that pays dividends in every bottling.

Natterjack Irish Whiskey

The look of this whiskey is as classically Irish as its structure. The light, golden straw color holds very narrow legs that cascade down the inside of the glass. The body is noticeably thin. On the nose, patented, approachable Irish notes of vanilla and oak are welcoming and trustworthy.

The palate opens up with flavors of honey, more oak, and caramel with a creamy, rounded mouthfeel. The finish is short and sweet, unassuming in a great way. This whisky is an elevated take of what we all love about traditional Irish whiskey. Straightforward and silky smooth with no frills or surprises.

The Mistake

The second stop on Natterjack’s trio is “The Mistake.” This bottling is made with the same mash, distillation, and barrel aging/finishing as the flagship, but was mistakenly left to age for an additional year, hence its name. The result is more barrel forward whiskey in a limited release.

The baseline aromas are supported by a spice and orange peel presence, charred wood and toasted walnut notes. The palate carries a bolder character, due in part to the higher ABV. More nuttiness with walnut and sweet almond keep it well balanced, as a consistently medium body makes for a bolder expression that remains easily accessible.

Natterjack Cask Strength

Natterjack’s third and final blend is a cask strength bottling. With the same makeup as its predecessors, this whiskey is bottled straight out of the fresh American oak barrel at a sharp 63% ABV.

I’m often partial to cask strength whiskies because of their inherent purity, which truly showcases the producer’s ability, unable to hide behind dilution or other factors. This whiskey is a sure winner. The raw, intensified profile boasts stronger nose spice notes and a subtly smoky char. While the palate is robust with spice and heat, the malt comes through more thoroughly here, rounding out the pour with a mellowing warmth. The finish here is long with viscous honey and barley forwardness. I wish other Irish whiskey makers would embrace more.

Final Thoughts

While the Cask Strength is my favorite of the three, each of these whiskeys by Natterjack are worthy of attention. While the flagship may not be the most complex or alluring to some more seasoned whiskey enthusiasts, it remains a classic expression that comes at a great price point. The “Mistake” builds on the strong foundation, and the Cask Strength is the ultimate pinnacle, which I enjoyed thoroughly.