Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon Review

Distillery: O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co.—Minneapolis, Minnesota

Proof: 92.0 (46.0% ABV)

Age: Four Years

Mashbill: See below

MSRP: $40

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Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon: Where Two Traditions Meet

Blended bourbons are becoming another part of the saturated whiskey marketplace.  Innovations are becoming more complex but genuine surprises are still increasingly rare.

Keeper’s Heart has managed to marry two storied whiskey traditions: Irish whiskey and American bourbon. This isn’t just another blend – it’s a deliberate mashup led by O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Brian Nation, OSDC’s Master Distiller, brings serious Irish whiskey credentials. Having served as head distiller at Midleton Distillery (think Jameson and Redbreast), Nation’s involvement is not merely an exercise in marketing.  Rather, his involvement is an exploration of what two distinct traditions can achieve together.

OSDC takes a serious approach to blending for Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon.  Combining the smooth, fruit-forward qualities of Irish whiskey with the bold, oaky depth of Kentucky bourbon aims to produce something genuinely different in a crowded market of blended whiskeys.

The foundation for the whiskey is based on three pillars:

• Irish Grain Whiskey:  continuous still, crafted with a mashbill of malted and unmalted barley
• Irish Pot Still Whiskey:  triple-distilled, featuring a classic malted and unmalted barley mashbill
• Bourbon: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

Let’s pour a glass and see how a whiskey born of a transatlantic heritage holds up.

Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes

Full disclosure:  while my bourbon experience runs deep, my Irish whiskey exploration is in development.  So, I’m approaching this expression primarily through a bourbon lens.

Nose – 3/5

The Nose is surprisingly bourbon-forward as it opens with bright fruits such as crisp green apples and pears that pair up with the familiar bourbon notes of caramel and vanilla.  There is a subtleness of baking spices and honey along with notes of toasted oak.  Interestingly, if nosed blind, I suspect many would peg this as a traditional bourbon rather and a unique blend.

Palate – 3.75/5

From the first sip, this expression delivers a sweet, creamy mouthfeel that presents a rich depth of caramel, toffee, and charred oak. Mid-palate, things get interesting–there’s a pleasant balance between warm spices (cinnamon and nutmeg) and dark fruit notes reminiscent of plums and prunes.  Which from what I can glean is where the Irish Whiskey influence really shows up.

Finish – 3.5/5

A medium-length Finish carries lingering notes of vanilla and toasted wood, with a gentle peppery warmth that fades very slowly. A touch of honey provides a pleasant sweetness before it fades leaving behind a dry Finish.

Value – 4/5

At around $40, Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon offers something rare: a blend that successfully marries two whiskey traditions. The price point feels particularly fair given the innovation, making it an excellent pick for those who enjoy something unique in both the realm of blending as well as flavor profile.

Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon Review: The Verdict

Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon is an experiment that presents very well. It has the fruit and lightness of an Irish whiskey with the richness and structure of a bourbon, making it an intriguing pour. At OSDC’s cocktail bar, I had the opportunity to try it both neat and in an Old Fashioned.  Without reservation, I recommend it either way as a worthy and versatile addition to any whiskey portfolio.

Verdict – 3.5/5

If you’ve had a chance to try any of the Keeper’s Heart expressions, let us know your thoughts in the Insider Community!

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3