Busker Single Pot Still Whiskey 700ml

The Busker is produced at Royal Oak Distillery, a modern facility set on an 18th-century estate in County Carlow that produces all three classic styles of Irish whiskey, single grain, single malt, and single pot still, under one roof. Disaronno International, the American subsidiary of Italy's Illva Saronno, purchased Royal Oak in 2019 and launched The Busker the following year as its first venture into Irish whiskey. Despite being a relatively young brand, it draws on Royal Oak's deep experience with Irish spirits and its focus on locally sourced barley and pure spring water for production.

The Busker Single Pot Still is distilled from a mash bill of at least 30% malted and 30% unmalted barley, the defining ratio behind the single pot still style, and run through traditional copper pot stills. The whiskey then matures in first-fill ex-bourbon casks before finishing in Oloroso sherry casks, a two-stage process designed to layer sherry-driven richness onto the spicier character that unmalted barley naturally contributes. It is bottled at 44.3% ABV, a touch above standard proof, which helps carry its more intense flavor profile.

The nose brings white flowers, honey, and dried fruit alongside a hint of clove, while the palate is broad and oily, opening with vanilla and honey before moving into milk chocolate, red grape, and toasted oak. The finish runs long and warmly spiced, closing on rich caramel and black pepper. That spice-forward character makes it a strong candidate for a whiskey Manhattan, and its toffee notes also work nicely in a whiskey and coffee.