When we reviewed the standard Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey, we found it to be an easy drinking Irish Whiskey, slightly heavier and more flavorful than Jameson’s base product. The Powers Gold Label Special Reserve 12 Year Irish Whiskey takes things to a whole other level with great flavor and complexity.
Powers Gold Label Special Reserve 12 Year Irish Whiskey (80 Proof – $40) is ever so slightly darker than the Powers Gold Label Standard. The nose is much more wood forward and has a deeper, richer caramel note on the nose. The entry is lovely, with much more depth than the standard gold; it’s hard to believe they are so closely related. The entry has notes of salted caramel, wood and a small amount of smoke. There’s the slightest element of funk that supports all this and ties everything together. The blockbuster opening carries very well to a strong mid palate and through to a strong finish where the salted caramel notes persist. There’s a little cooling to the finish – more than the Powers standard but not quite as much as Jameson.
Powers Gold Label Special Reserve 12 Year Irish Whiskey – manages to deliver a lot more complexity while still maintaining the smooth, easy drinking character that people expect from Irish Whiskey. Its flavor profile is really enjoyable and delivered very well. 
