This is my favorite Irish Whiskey, and it has a very interesting history, tied strongly to the Protestant Scots-Irish (Ulster Scots) tradition of Northern Ireland, but loved by many across the island and beyond! The Scots influence is notable. James Craig was once the owner of "Royal Irish Distilleries," and his son, Sir James Craig became the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. The symbols of the Royal tradition are beautifully incorporated into the bottle's design, which is in itself an interesting conversation piece. I taste a little bit of oak, vanilla and apricot, with a very, very subtle hint of leather. It stays with you a little bit, with a really nice, warm finish. The original distillery closed in the early 19th century, and remaining bottles were highly sought after, so the new Echlinville Distillery revived the brand in 2012. I absolutely love this whiskey and am very grateful to have discovered it.