Proper No Twelve Drops: My McGregor-Inspired Whiskey Journey (and a Few Mistakes Along the Way)
Hey everyone, so you wanna know about Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey? Let me tell you, I've been on a bit of a journey with this stuff. It all started, kinda weirdly, with a Conor McGregor fight. I'm not a huge MMA fan, but that guy's charisma? It's undeniable. Anyway, I saw him shilling this whiskey, and being a sucker for a good marketing campaign, I figured, "Why not?"
My First Taste (and My First Mistake)
My initial experience? Let's just say it wasn't exactly smooth sailing. I grabbed a bottle, thinking, "McGregor's endorsing it, it's gotta be top-shelf." Nope. I mean, it wasn't bad, but it definitely wasn't the refined, complex whiskey I'd hoped for. My mistake? I didn't do my research. I just went for the hype. Big lesson learned: Don't just buy something because of a celebrity endorsement; read reviews, compare prices, and find out what you like.
What I Should Have Done
Looking back, I should have checked out some whiskey review sites before diving in. Sites like Whisky Advocate or even just looking at user reviews on Amazon would have given me a better idea of what to expect. I could have learned about the tasting notes – the spice, the sweetness, the finish – and compared it to other whiskeys in a similar price range. This would have helped me manage my expectations, and possibly saved me from a slightly underwhelming first experience.
Understanding Proper No. Twelve: Beyond the Hype
Proper No. Twelve is a triple-distilled Irish whiskey. That's important because it influences the taste. It's a blend, not a single malt, which means it uses a mix of different grains. This typically results in a smoother, more approachable whiskey, perfect for those new to the scene, or even for experienced drinkers who want something a bit lighter.
Tasting Notes and What to Expect
I've had it a few more times since that first encounter, and I've learned to appreciate it more. It’s got a smooth taste, with notes of vanilla and honey – that sweetness is quite noticeable. There's a subtle spiciness, but nothing overpowering. The finish is pretty clean, not too long or lingering. Think of it as a good gateway whiskey, something that's approachable without being boring.
Serving Suggestions: Beyond Neat Sipping
I initially only drank it neat, like a snob. But, you know what? Experimenting really changed my perspective. I found that Proper No. Twelve works well in a variety of cocktails. An Irish coffee is an obvious choice, but it also shines in simpler mixes. Try it with ginger ale and a lime wedge for a refreshing summer drink. Or, get a little fancy and add it to an Old Fashioned. You can easily find loads of recipes online; it's really versatile.
Mixing it Up
Don't be afraid to play around! Experimenting is part of the fun. Mixing it with different juices, sodas, or even adding a dash of bitters can completely transform the flavor profile. It’s fun, and you might even discover your new favorite cocktail. I sure did.
The Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
So, is Proper No. Twelve worth the hype? Honestly, it depends on your expectations. It's not the most complex or expensive whiskey on the market, but it's a solid, easy-drinking option that's perfect for casual sipping or mixing. If you're looking for something sophisticated and incredibly nuanced, you might want to explore other options. But, for a tasty and readily available whiskey that won't break the bank, Proper No. Twelve definitely holds its own. And hey, if you're an MMA fan like I (sort of) am, then it’s got that added bit of cool factor. Just remember to do your research before you buy, you know? Learn from my mistakes!