The Sexton single malt Irish whiskey review
After a gift for a budding whiskey enthusiast or cocktail fan? Discover The Sexton single malt. See how our taste tester rated this Irish malt whiskey.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more and read about how we write BBC Good Food reviews.
The Sexton single malt whiskey – 40% ABV
Overall rating: 4/5
Master blender Alex Thomas is one of only a handful of women working in the role in Ireland. With the sexton traditionally being a gatekeeper of sacred things, Alex is regarded as the sexton of the whiskey. Her whiskies are triple distilled in copper stills before being matured in oloroso sherry casks. The use of these casks gives the whiskey its distinct punchy, peppery and fruity flavours.
Sexton have developed a liquid that is perfect for mixing – it's both super smooth and bursting with intense fruity, spicy flavours. The nose of the whisky is incredibly rich with almonds, cocoa and buttered baking spices. On the palate, honey provides a smooth base layer with accents of peppered pears, baking spice, citrus and prunes.
Over ice it works well as an easy sipping whiskey, while the bold and demanding flavours of the palate make it a cocktail makers dream with so many different characteristics to draw out of the liquid.
More like this
Makes the perfect whiskey gift for...
…the enthusiastic bartender in your life – it could inspire some of their best recipes. This also works as a great gift for somebody interested in getting to know whiskey, as it makes a good starting point due to its combination of smoothness and bold flavours, allowing a newbie to sip it on the rocks or mix it with a little ginger ale to ease themselves in.
Discover over 400 buyer's guides including the best whiskies to buy as a gift, or more reviews like our favourite rye whiskeys in our reviews section.
Whisky reviews
The best Scotch whisky
The best Irish whiskey
The best bourbon
The best craft whiskies
This review was last updated in October 2019. If you have any questions or suggestions for future reviews, or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. For information on alcohol guidelines, read our guide to drinking responsibly.