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Proper No. Twelve Apple: The Orchard's Favorite Irishman Walks Into a Bar... And It's Delicious! 🍏🥃

Review: Thumbs Up

Hold on to your shamrocks, folks! We've got a new player in the Irish whiskey game, and it's bringing a crisp, fruity twist that's got our taste buds doing a little jig. Say hello to Proper No. Twelve Apple, the latest innovation from the folks behind the beloved original Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey. Now, I know what you might be thinking: apple and whiskey? Sounds a bit… unexpected, right? But trust me on this one, it's a delightful surprise that's as smooth as a Barry White ballad and as refreshing as that first bite of a Honeycrisp.

Forget those overly sweet, artificial apple-flavored concoctions you might have encountered before. This is the real deal. From the moment you pop the cork, you're greeted with a good, genuine apple fragrance that hints at the deliciousness to come. Take a sip, and you'll find a smooth whiskey base dancing harmoniously with a bright, natural apple note. It's not overpowering; instead, it's a refreshing whisper of the orchard that makes this incredibly easy to drink straight. It's not overly sweet—just a subtle touch.

Personally, I found it absolutely divine at room temperature, allowing all those subtle flavors to really shine through. It's the kind of drink that invites contemplation, perfect for a relaxing evening or a thoughtful conversation with friends. And the best part? You can snag a generous 1-liter bottle for around $25. Talk about a steal!

Tasting notes

• Colour: Golden Amber.
• Aroma: Sweet cider lightly touched with caramel, oak and browned butter.
• Flavour: Cooked apples and honey sweetness balances oak barrels and crisp green peel notes.
• Finish: Granny Smith apples fade from bright and acidic, mellowing into dark cidery tones with brown sugar and smooth whiskey finish.
• From company website

Level Up Your Sip: Three Apple-Infused Cocktails You'll Adore 🍹

Ready to get a little more creative? Proper No. Twelve Apple lends itself beautifully to some fantastic cocktails. Here are three to get you started:

1. The Orchard Kiss: (A refreshing and slightly tart delight)

• 2 oz Proper No. Twelve Apple
• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• ¾ oz Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
• 3-4 Mint Leaves
• Apple slice, for garnish

Instructions: Gently muddle the mint leaves in a shaker. Add the Proper No. Twelve Apple, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled. Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with an apple slice.

2. The Dublin Downpour: (A cozy and spiced warmer)

• 2 oz Proper No. Twelve Apple
• 4 oz Hot Apple Cider
• ¼ oz Lemon Juice
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 2-3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters (optional)
• Orange twist, for garnish

Instructions: Combine the Proper No. Twelve Apple, hot apple cider, and lemon juice in a mug. Add the cinnamon stick and bitters (if using). Stir gently. Garnish with an orange twist.

3. The Emerald Orchard Old Fashioned: (A sophisticated twist on a classic)

• 2 oz Proper No. Twelve Apple
• ¼ oz Maple Syrup
• 2-3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
• Apple peel, for garnish

Instructions: Combine the Proper No. Twelve Apple, maple syrup, and bitters in an old-fashioned glass. Add one large ice cube (or several smaller ones). Stir gently for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled. Express the oils from an apple peel over the drink and use it as a garnish.

Spice Up Your Life: Desi Food Pairings That Sing with Proper No. Twelve Apple 🌶️🇮🇳

Now, let's talk about food! The subtle sweetness and refreshing apple notes of Proper No. Twelve Apple make it a surprisingly versatile partner for a variety of cuisines, especially the vibrant flavors of Desi food. Here are a few pairings that I think would be absolutely chef's kiss:

Appetizer:

• Vegetable Samosas with Tamarind Chutney: The crispy, savory samosas with that tangy-sweet tamarind chutney create a delightful contrast with the smooth, slightly sweet whiskey. The apple notes in the whiskey can cut through the richness of the fried pastry beautifully.
• Chicken Tikka Skewers: The smoky, spiced chicken tikka finds a refreshing counterpoint in the apple-infused whiskey. The fruitiness helps to lift the heavier flavors and cleanses the palate.

Dinner:

• Butter Chicken: The creamy, slightly sweet, and richly spiced butter chicken is an unexpected but fantastic match. The apple notes in the whiskey provide a subtle brightness that complements the richness of the dish without overpowering it.
• Lamb Rogan Josh: The aromatic and deeply flavorful lamb rogan josh, with its complex blend of spices, finds a smooth and slightly sweet companion in the Proper No. Twelve Apple. The whiskey's warmth balances the intensity of the curry.
• Vegetable Biryani: A fragrant and flavorful vegetable biryani, with its mix of spices and textures, is beautifully enhanced by the subtle fruitiness of the whiskey. It acts as a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the rice and vegetables.
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Final Verdict:

Proper No. Twelve Apple is a genuinely interesting and enjoyable addition to the Irish whiskey landscape. It manages to infuse a natural apple flavor without sacrificing the smoothness and character of the whiskey. Whether you're sipping it neat, crafting creative cocktails, or pairing it with your favorite Desi dishes, this bottle offers fantastic value and a unique drinking experience. It's a thumbs-up from me! 👍

Have you had a chance to try Proper No. Twelve Apple? What were your thoughts? What's your favorite way to enjoy it? Share your experiences and any cocktail or food pairing ideas you've discovered in the comments below – we'd love to hear from you!

Please Drink Responsibly: This blog post discusses alcoholic beverages. Please ensure you are of legal drinking age in your country and always drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.