High N’ Wicked ‘Rose Tattoo’ Single Malt Irish Whiskey
High N’ Wicked ‘Rose Tattoo’ is a bold cask-strength single malt Irish whiskey crafted from triple-distilled 100% malted barley and matured first in ex-bourbon barrels before an 8-month finish in ex-Amarone wine casks from a prestigious Italian vineyard. Bottled at a potent 59.9 % ABV, this limited-edition release blends traditional Irish craft with adventurous cask influence for a complex profile.
High N’ Wicked ‘Rose Tattoo’ Single Malt Irish Whiskey
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | High N’ Wicked ‘Rose Tattoo’ Single Malt Irish Whiskey |
| Brand | High N’ Wicked |
| Company | High N’ Wicked (sourced & bottled) |
| Category | Single Malt Irish Whiskey |
| Country | Ireland |
| Region | County Carlow |
| Distillery | Royal Oak Distillery (distilled) |
| Age | Non-age statement (NAS) |
| Style | Cask-Strength, Wine Cask Finished |
| Alcohol | 59.9 % ABV (119.8 proof) |
| Cask Type | Ex-bourbon, Amarone wine casks |
| Filtration | Non-chill filtered |
| Availability | Limited/specialist retailers |
Testing notes
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Deep amber with a rich, inviting sheen |
| Aroma | Caramelized pear, brown sugar, candied cherry, hints of thyme and lavender |
| Flavours | Cocoa, honey butter, rich orchard fruit, tree fruit tannin |
| Texture | Full-bodied, warm and expressive |
| Finish | Long, dry finish with black tea and Amarone tannin echo |
Prices
Prices can vary significantly due to taxes, import duties, retailer markups, and currency fluctuations
| Country/Region | Price (70/75 cl) |
|---|---|
| United States | $132 – $149 USD typical retail range for 750 ml at specialty stores |
| UK / Europe | £120 – £150+ GBP / ~€140 – €170+ (market & import dependent) |
| Secondary Imports | €170 – €200+ / ~USD $180 – $220+ on some boutique marketplaces |
Experts’ View:
Whiskey writers and critics have praised Rose Tattoo as a standout in High N’ Wicked’s Singular Series. Many note how the Amarone cask finish brings subtle red-fruit depth and tannic complexity without overpowering the Irish malt character. It’s been described as approachable despite high proof, with orchard fruit and spice balancing the intense structure. Some reviewers suggest a splash of water unlocks layers of nuance.
FAQs
1. What makes Rose Tattoo unique in Irish whiskey?
It’s finished in ex-Amarone wine casks, a distinct choice that imparts rich red-fruit tones and firm tannin influence not common in traditional Irish single malts.
2. Is this whiskey very strong to sip?
At 59.9 % ABV, it’s cask strength and quite bold. I usually recommend tasting a little neat first, then adding water to open the flavors gently.
3. How should it be served?
This whiskey shines neat or with a drop of water to reveal deeper aromatics. It also works in spirit-forward cocktails if balanced carefully with sweet or bitter components.
