Floral | Grassy | Light spice | Fresh grain | Light

Citrus | Vanilla | Ginger | Baking spices | Fresh cut grass | Summer fruit

Baking spices | Stewed fruit | Caramel chews | Lingering spice

Keeper’s Heart Whiskey was created by cousins Patrick and Michael O’Shaughnessy, along with Michael’s father Gerry. The three founders created O’Shaughnessy Distillery, which was built in an old potato factory in their hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota and features three copper pot stills. They also acquired aged Irish whiskey stocks, and brought master distiller Brian Nation in, who spent the last seven years distilling Irish whiskey for Jameson, Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare, Spot, and Powers Irish Whiskey.

As Irish whiskey is characteristically light and fruity with typical malt notes, it’s not surprising that Irish + American Whiskey maintains a typical flavor profile. Given that American whiskey is somewhat open and undefined as a whiskey category, it’s not entirely clear what the American whiskey component is going to bring to the mix. That’s until you taste it, at which point more prominent American whiskey notes of vanilla, baking spices, caramel chews, and spice come forward. Overall it’s an easy-drinking affair at 86 proof, and one that leans more towards its Irish whiskey than the American whiskey side. It’s not bad in any way, comes in at a great price point, but doesn’t leave a lasting impression.