Foxes Bow Blended Irish Whiskey Review.
Foxs Bow is a newer name in the Irish whiskey space, and it immediately caught my attention through social media. What pulled me in wasn’t just the branding, but the curiosity around its finishing process. With a team that has some real experience behind it, there’s a sense that this isn’t just another sourced whiskey it’s a chance to see thoughtful blending and finishing come together in a meaningful way.
Foxs Bow starts with a sourced Irish whiskey base, matured in ex-bourbon casks. It’s a blend of both pot still and column still whiskey, using 100% barley, which is typical for Irish whiskey and tends to produce a softer, more approachable profile. Where things get interesting is in the finishing. The whiskey is first finished in Oloroso sherry casks, then further influenced by ex-rye casks. That second finishing step is fairly uncommon, and it introduces the potential for added spice and herbal character layered onto an otherwise smooth Irish base. It’s a creative approach that aims to elevate a classic profile into something more distinctive.
Age Statement: N/A.
ABV: 43%.
Mashbill: 100% barley.
Area of Distillation: Ireland.
Finishing: Ex-Oloroso Sherry Casks & Ex-Rye Casks.
Appearance: Light golden.
On the nose:
Appearance: Light golden.
On the nose:
Sweet and creamy right away, with a soft floral note sitting on top. There’s a gentle fruitiness—stewed apples and a hint of grape, likely coming from the sherry cask influence. Underneath that, a subtle herbal character starts to emerge, along with light oak, vanilla, and caramel. It’s approachable and balanced, with no harshness.
Taste:
More grain-forward than the nose suggests, with the barley influence stepping up. There’s a buttery texture that leans into shortbread and vanilla cream, supported by a mild sweetness from the sherry finish. The rye cask begins to show here, bringing a light spice and a fresh herbal quality. As it opens up, notes of stewed apples, cinnamon, clove, and even a touch of lemon zest come through.
More grain-forward than the nose suggests, with the barley influence stepping up. There’s a buttery texture that leans into shortbread and vanilla cream, supported by a mild sweetness from the sherry finish. The rye cask begins to show here, bringing a light spice and a fresh herbal quality. As it opens up, notes of stewed apples, cinnamon, clove, and even a touch of lemon zest come through.
Finish:
Medium in length with a pleasant fade. Green apple dipped in caramel stands out, followed by a light peppery spice. It stays smooth throughout, with no noticeable burn or off-notes. The only slight drawback is a touch of youth on the first sip, but it softens quickly as you spend more time with it.
Final Thoughts:
Fox’s Bow delivers a really enjoyable and approachable Irish whiskey with a twist. The base is familiar and easygoing, but the finishing, especially the rye cask influence, adds just enough uniqueness to make it stand out. It’s not overly complex, but it doesn’t need to be. This is a bottle that works well as a daily drinker or something to share with friends who want to try something a little different without stepping too far outside their comfort zone. It punches above its weight. It comfortably sits alongside other budget-friendly Irish options while offering a more experimental edge.
Rating: B (Above average).
Cost: $32.99 for 700ml.
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