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Opinions – Greece
Opinions – Greece Ioannis Mallios Writing an opinion article for Irish whiskey and Greece, is not an easy task, but still, it is just an opinion, a trigger (hopefully) for discussion and comments. The history of the Greek Revolution can be a good starting point...
The Mash of History – by Dave Broom
Historic Mashbills Dave Broom In August this year, as part of his ongoing thesis with TU Dublin, historian Fionnán O’Connor gathered together two groups of distillers and writers to blind taste a selection of new make spirits made from historic single pot still...
Writers Tears Ice Wine Cask Finish
Writers Tears Ice Wine Cask Finish A Walsh Whiskey collaboration with Inniskillin Winery in Niagara, Ontario, Canada’s leading producer of Ice Wine. The limited-edition release of 3,500 bottles is a triple-distilled vatting of Single Pot Still and Single Malt whiskeys...
Waterford Biodynamic Luna 1.1
Waterford Biodynamic Luna 1.1 Waterford Distillery have worked with biodynamic Irish farmers – Trevor Harris, John McDonnell and Alan Mooney to produce the world’s first certified biodynamic whiskey. Luna 1.1 is matured in a combination of 35% first-fill US oak;...
Teeling Renaissance 4
Teeling Renaissance 4 A release limited to 9,000 bottles, this latest in the award-winning series is an 18-Year-Old Single Malt, aged initially in ex-bourbon barrels for over 16 years before being finished in ex-red Pineau des Charentes fortified wine casks. Bottled...
Tastings – Issue 12 – Sailor’s Home – The Journey
Sailor’s Home – The Journey A blended Irish whiskey using three casks. Grain whiskey was initially matured in virgin American oak casks and then recasked into ex-Bourbon casks. This was then blended with Single Malt which was initially matured in ex-Bourbon...
Tastings – Issue 12 – Roe & Co Sugi Wood
Roe & Co Sugi Wood This blended Irish whiskey showcases a unique wood type, Japanese Sugi, as well as a maturation process never before seen within the category. Five “elongated bungs” were hammered into the heads of each of ten American oak casks. These bungs...
Tastings – Issue 12 – Redbreast PX Single Pot Still
Redbreast PX Single Pot Still Redbreast Pedro Ximénez Edition is the first limited edition release to join the Iberian Series along with Redbreast Lustau Edition. This Single Pot Still Irish whiskey is triple distilled and matured in ex-Bourbon and Oloroso sherry...
Tastings – Issue 12 – Powerscourt Fercullen Amarone Single Grain
Powerscourt Fercullen Amarone Single Grain The first issue in a three part ‘Estate Series’ from Powerscourt Distillery. This ‘Mill House’ limited edition release is a sourced Single Grain whiskey matured in ex-Bourbon oak casks and then finished in Italian Amarone...
Tastings – Issue 12 – Method and Madness Rye and Malt
Method and Madness Rye and Malt The first aged experimental distillate was created at the company’s innovation hub in Midleton, the Micro Distillery. Double distilled in 2015 from a mash of 60% rye and 40% malted barley, then matured in ex-bourbon American oak...
Tastings – Issue 12 – Lough Ree – Bart’s
Lough Ree – Bart’s A sourced Irish whiskey which is a continuous release from Lough Ree Distillery. Bart’s is a complex blend of grain, pot still and peated malt with malt whiskeys finished in Rye and Oloroso casks. Non-chill filtered and natural colour, it has...
Tastings – Issue 12 – Dunville’s James Fox Palo Cortado Cask
Dunville’s James Fox Palo Cortado Cask A collaboration with James J. Fox to release the latest in the Dunville’s single casks bottling series. This 20 year old Single Malt has been finished in a single Palo Cortado sherry cask for 3 years and 9 months. Bottled at cask...
Tastings – Issue 12 – Dingle Batch 6 Single Malt Port Cask
Dingle Batch 6 Single Malt Port Cask The final release in their Single Malt Batch Series. This Single Malt using their own distillate has been fully matured in Tawny Port casks with 15,000 bottles bottled at 46.5% ABV (a more limited release was bottled at Cask...
Tastings – Issue 12 – Currach Atlantic Wakame Seaweed Single Malt
Currach Atlantic Wakame Seaweed Single Malt The Currach series from Origin Spirits are the first whiskeys to be finished in seaweed charred casks. After the success of its initial Atlantic Kombu release, this release follows the same process but uses Atlantic Wakame...
Tastings – Issue 12 – Connacht Single Malt Batch 1 First Release
Connacht Single Malt Batch 1 First Release The Connacht Distillery’s first release of their own stock and the first whiskey to be distilled in Co. Mayo in over 150 years. Double distilled before being aged in ex-Bourbon casks and finished in ex-Oloroso sherry...
Tastings – Issue 12 – Bushmills Causeway 2 Marsala Cask 1995
Bushmills Causeway 2 Marsala Cask 1995 A release in the Bushmills 2021 Causeway Collection, this whiskey has matured for over 10 years in Oloroso sherry butts and Bourbon barrels, before being aged in rare Marsala casks sourced from the island of Sicily, for 15 years....
Issue 12
All the latest news, new releases and developments in Irish whiskey. In-depth reviews, insights from our experts.
Issue 11
All the latest news, new releases and developments in Irish whiskey. In-depth reviews, insights from our experts.
Investing in an Irish Whiskey Cask Program
Tastings – Issue 11 – Two Stacks Smoke and Mirrors
Two Stacks Smoke and Mirrors Two Stacks Smoke and Mirrors is a peated stout cask Single Malt of 10% double malt and 30% triple peated malt, both matured in ex-bourbon casks, 60% triple distilled malt aged in ex-bourbon and ex-imperial stout casks. Uniquely this batch...
Tastings – Issue 11 – Red Silkie Cask Strength
Red Silkie Cask Strength From the people at Sliabh Liag Distillers in Carrick, County Donegal, Red Silkie plays homage to a real-life legend, one of the last Chieftains of Donegal, Red HughO’Donnell. This limited edition cask strength blend was limited to just 210...
Tastings – Issue 11 – Hyde No.10 Single Cask Banyuls Finish
Hyde No.10 Single Cask Banyuls Finish Hyde NO.10 Single Cask is a single cask Single Malt Irish whiskey finished in a 225L Banyuls Grand Cru (a French dessert wine using red grapes from Côte Vermeille in the Pyrénées-Orientales region) cask. Only 60 bottles were...
Tastings – Issue 11 – Ardfallen
Ardfallen A triple distilled blended Irish whiskey produced by West Cork Distillers and retailing exclusively in Aldi Ireland stores nationwide. The malt fraction is both first fill Bourbon and Bodega sherry cask matured malt. Bottled at 40% ABV and retailing at...
Tastings – Issue 11 – Grace O’Malley Dark Char Cask Blend
Grace O’Malley Dark Char Cask Blend Grace O’Malley Dark Char Cask Blend is a premium blend combining multiple batches of whiskey of varying age statements up to ten years. There is a high content of double distilled (40%) and triple distilled (6%) malt. Finished in...
Tastings – Issue 11 – Dick Mack’s Dingle Single Malt Marsala Finish
Dick Mack’s Dingle Single Malt Marsala finish Dick Mack’s Dingle Single Malt Marsala Finish is the first of future Dick Mack’s bottlings and is the only Dingle whiskey to have been aged in a Marsala cask. This 7 year old has been matured for 4 ½ years in a Bourbon...
Tastings – Issue 11 – Teeling Irish Oak Finish
Teeling Irish Oak Finish Released as a special distillery exclusive bottling for St. Patrick’s Day this bottling showcases the impact Irish virgin oak has on their Small Batch blended whiskey. Non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV, this release is available from...
Tastings – Issue 11 – The Dubliner Irish Whiskey
The Dubliner Irish Whiskey Released by Dublin Liberties Distillery and sporting a brand new look, this blended 3 year old Irish whiskey is matured exclusively in Bourbon casks. Bottled at 40% ABV and retailing at €30. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose Spirity and young. Fresh...
Tastings – Issue 11 – The Station 3yr old Peated Single Malt
The Station 3 year old Peated Single Malt The Station 3yr old was released by Lough Ree distillery, this is a tribute to 62 years of power generation at the station in Lanesborough and the people who worked there. A sourced Single Malt peated whiskey from the Great...
Tastings – Issue 11 – Midleton Very Rare 2021
Midleton Very Rare 2021 Midleton Very Rare 2021 is this years iconic and highly sought after release in the Midleton Very Rare range and is the first from newly appointed Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman. Individually numbered and signed this release is bottled at 40%...
Tastings – Issue 11 – Blue Spot
Blue Spot Blue Spot has been released after an absence of 56 years, Irish Distillers have joined forces with the Mitchell family to reintroduce the Blue Spot Single Pot Still back into the Spot range of whiskeys. Matured for a minimum of 7 years this cask strength...
Tastings – Issue 11 – Redbreast 10
Redbreast 10 Redbreast 10 was released to celebrate the thirty years since the revival of the Redbreast brand, Irish Distillers released this limited edition 10 year old single pot still. Bottled at cask strength of 59.1% ABV and retailing at €100, Redbreast 10 was...
Tastings – Issue 11 – McConnell’s 5yr old blend
McConnell’s 5 year old Blend McConnell’s 5yr old blend is a resurrected brand from the Belfast Distillery Company who recently secured planning permission for a distillery in Belfast. This 5 year old blend is bottled at 40% ABV and retails for about €38. Omar Fitzell...
Opinions – Argentina
Whiskey, as a Component in Recipes
Whiskey, as a Component in Recipes Seáneen Sullivan A text popped up on my phone: ‘Do you think we will be back for asparagus season?’ It was from one of the young chefs I work with . He had recent ly graduated to working the pass, having started on the...
Opinions – Russia
Opinions – Russia Alexey Pyatnitskikh More and more people are learning traditional Irish dance. There are many fans of Irish folk music. Weeks of Irish cinema regularly sell out. And every year the number of people participating in the celebration of St....
Tastings – Issue 10 – Grace O’Malley Rum Cask Finish
Grace O’Malley Rum Cask Finish A blend of double distilled malt (40%) and triple distilled malt (6%) and grain whiskeys finished in rum casks from Jamaica and Barbados. Bottled at 42% ABV and on sale with a RRP of €65. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose Really soft a first, the...
Tastings – Issue 10 – Dark Silkie
Dark Silkie This is a peated blend with at its core a triple distilled peated single malt which ismatured in sherry casks. This single malt is peated to 55ppm (parts per million) which after the triple distillation results in a phenol level around 22ppm. This is...
Tastings – Issue 10 – Lambay Cask Strength
Lambay Cask Strength Part of the single cask programme which is limited to 20 casks worldwide. This is atriple distilled malt whiskey, bourbon cask matured and finished in cognac casks close to Lambay island’s shoreline housed in the Sea Cask Room. All casks expect...
Tastings – Issue 10 – Matt D’arcy’s 17yo Rum Cask
Matt D’arcy’s 17yo Rum Cask A limited release of 343 individually numbered bottles from a single cask. This 17year old single malt is finished in a rum cask and bottled at 46% ABV. RRP €265. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose The rum influence take poll position here along with...
Tastings – Issue 10 – Currach Founders Cask
Currach Founders Cask A single malt Irish whiskey which is the first to be finished in Atlantic kombu seaweed charred casks. The Founders Single Cask of 240 hand-filled and hand numbered bottles are drawn from the very first cask and bottled at cask strength of 60%...
Tastings – Issue 10 – Bill Phil Batch 1
Bill Phil Batch 1 Part of the Peated Series from W.D.O’Connell merchants this is a limited release of 600 bottles. A non-aged statement peated single malt aged exclusively in first-fill ex-bourbon casks and bottled at 47.5% ABV. RRP €65. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose Fresh,...
Tastings – Issue 10 – Dunville’s 18yo Palo Cortado Finish Cask 1203
Dunville’s 18 Year Old Palo Cortado Finish Cask 1203 One of two new 18 year old single malts finished in rare Palo Cortado sherry casks.This one is limited to just 313 individually numbered bottles. Cask 1203 is bottled at55% ABV. RRP €249. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose...
Tastings – Issue 10 – Killowen 10yo Tequila Finish
Killowen 10yo Tequila Finish This the third expression of the Experimental Bonded Series from Killowen Distillery. A sourced 10 year old blended whiskey finished in Mexican Tequila casks. Non-chill filtered and no colouring. Bottled at 55.4% ABV. Only 388 50cl bottles...
Tastings – Issue 10 – Teeling Brabazon 3
Teeling Brabazon 3 This limited edition (10,000 bottles) is a single malt aged for 14 years in a combination of ex-bourbon casks followed by a finishing period of three years in Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks from a family-owned winery in the Jerez region of Spain....
Tastings – Issue 10 – Liberator
Liberator A Wayward Spirits vatting of ex-bourbon cask single malts from two distilleries aged between 4 and 5 years. The younger whiskey was then finished in an ex-tawny port cask for 9 months, then blended, proofed and bottled in the bonded storehouse on the estate....
Tastings – Issue 10 – Writers’ Tears Seaweed IPA Cask Finish
Writers’ Tears Seaweed IPA Cask Finish This single cask limited edition is a Writers’ Tears – Copper Pot, triple-distilled, blend of single pot still and single malt whiskeys and laid down for 14 months to finish in a cask infused with the flavour of an 8% IPA beer...
Tastings – Issue 10 – Velvet Cap
Velvet Cap A 50:50 blend of malt and grain whiskey which are mixed and left to marry in a rotation of ex-rye barrels which were filled with whiskey, then stout. Bottled at 40% ABV and selling at RRP of €39.95. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose Toffee sweetness along with some...
Tastings – Issue 10 – Redbreast 27
Redbreast 27 This 27 year old expression is the latest addition to the Redbreast permanentportfolio. This single pot still gives brings added complexity as it includes whiskeymatured in Ruby Port casks as well as first and second fill bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks....
Tastings – Issue 10 – Spade and Bushel Amarone
Spade and Bushel Amarone A single malt which has firstly been matured in bourbon casks for four years before being finished for a year in Amarone wine casks from the Veneto region of Italy. Limited to 1,400 individually numbered bottles and bottled at 45% ABV. RRP...
Issue 10
All the latest news, new releases and developments in Irish whiskey. In-depth reviews, insights from our experts.
Independent bottling in Irish whiskey – Part 1
The Independent Bottling category in Irish whiskey is vast, at times filled with controversy and ignorance on some parts, but there’s no doubt that it is through this practice that we have seen some Ireland’s very best whiskey releases. Mark McLaughlin will bring us...
Issue 1
Issue 2
We look at Irish whiskey tourism. We visit Echlinville Distillery, Co. Down. We visit Galway and Kilkenny and take part in their whiskey trails.
Issue 3
What’s the life of a brand ambassador like? We visit Slane Distillery. Charlie Roche continues his research of old distilleries with Dublin City Distillery.
Issue 4
Fionnán O’Connor continues his 7 Sips series. Miren Somers looks at the influence of casks on flavour. Eric Ryan looks at Dair Ghaelach.
Issue 5
We feature Dingle Distillery, talk to Distillery Manager at Walsh Distillery, Lisa Ryan. Kieran Keane gives a view of bartending from Jameson.
Issue 6
We chat with Mark Reynier of Waterford Distillery. Trevor Harris explains Biodynamic farming. Eric Ryan looks into Cork’s patent stills.
Issue 7
We stay in one of the worlds top hotels, Ashford Castle. We visit a historic whiskey tour of Dublin with some amazing stops along the way.
Issue 8
Exclusive interview with CEO of Irish Distillers, Conor McQuaid. We visit Clonakilty Distillery. Staying in Cork we visit Cask cocktail bar.
Issue 9
We feature Powerscourt Distillery. We fly to France and see how Camus make fine cognacs and see how Lambay Island whiskey use their casks.
Tastings – Issue 9 – Egan’s Centenary
Egan’s Centenary A limited edition (5,995 bottles) blend of single malt and single grain Irish whiskey that was initially matured in ex-Bourbon casks before being finished in XO Cognac French Limousin oak casks. Bottled at 46% ABV and RRP of €100. Omar Fitzell Notes...
Tastings – Issue 9 – Blacks 12yo Single Malt
Blacks 12yo Single Malt This sourced whiskey from Blacks of Kinsale is a 12 year old single malt. This first release is limited to 618 bottles and is bottled non-chill filtered at 46% ABV. RRP is about €89 if you can still find it. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose Very fresh....
Tastings – Issue 9 – Gelston’s Single Malt
Gelston’s Single Malt A four to five year old single malt matured in ex-bourbon casks. Bottled at 40% ABV and RRP of €34. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose One of the most unusual noses of any Irish whiskey I’ve had. The easiest way to describe it is Christmas cake mixture...
Tastings – Issue 9 – Glendalough Pot Still
Glendalough Pot Still A young pot still Irish whiskey first matured in ex-Bourbon barrels for three tears and then matured in an Irish oak cask for up to a year. This particular one is from cask 2 of tree 5. Bottled at 43% ABV and RRP of €55. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose...
Tastings – Issue 9 – Method and Madness Cherry Wood
Method and Madness Cherry Wood A single pot still from the Midleton distillery aged in ex-Bourbon barrels and Sherry casks before being finished in nine wild cherry wood casks sourced from France. The porous nature of this wood is extremely difficult to work with....
Tastings – Issue 9 – Hinch Peated Single Malt
Hinch Peated Single Malt This peated single malt whiskey from Hinch is triple distilled and matured in Bourbon casks. Hinch just announced plans to open a distillery near Belfast in summer 2020. Bottled at 43% ABV and RRP of approximately of €40. Omar Fitzell Notes...
Tastings – Issue 9 – Writers’ Tears Mizunara
Writers’ Tears Mizunara A travel retail exclusive, this limited edition from Walsh Whiskey is first aged in American oak Bourbon barrels before being finished for nine months in two extremely rare Japanese Mizunara oak barrels. Bottled at cask strength of 55% ABV and...
Tastings – Issue 9 – Dunvilles PX 12 Year Old Cask Strength
Dunvilles PX 12 Year Old Cask Strength A close relation to the award-winning Dunvilles PX 12 this limited release cask strength single malt is finished in Pedro Ximenez casks. Bottled at 57% ABV with an RRP of €125. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose So much going on with this....
Tastings – Issue 9 – Midleton Very Rare 2019
Midleton Very Rare 2019 The 36th iteration of the cult vintage series. Matured exclusively in lightly-charred ex-Bourbon American oak barrels for between 13 and 34 years. A blend of single grain and single pot still. Bottled at 40% ABV with an RRP of €180. Omar...
Tastings – Issue 8 – Pearse 5yo Blend
Pearse 5 year Blend A 5 year old blend of grain and malt whiskey which has been matured exclusively in Bourbon barrels. Non-chill filtered and non-coloured. Bottled at 43% ABV and RRP of €43. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose: Very light but pleasant nose. Very floral...
Tastings – Issue 8 – Powers John’s Lane Single Pot Still
Powers John’s Lane Single Pot Still This multi-award winning Single Pot Still has been matured for at least 12 years in ex-Bourbon casks and some elements of sherry casks finishing. Non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV and priced around €65. Omar Fitzell Notes...
Tastings – Issue 8 – Clonakilty Single Batch Blend
Clonakilty Single Batch Blend Double Gold winner at the San Francisco Spirits Competition 2019, this is a blend of 8 year old grain and 10 year old single malt finished in ex-Bourbon casks. Bottled at 43.6%, non-chill filtered and naturally coloured. RRP €51. Omar...
Tastings – Issue 8 – Liberties Murder Lane
Liberties Murder Lane A 13 year old triple-distilled single malt which has been matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and then finished in Hungarian Tokaj wine casks. Bottled at 46% and selling at an RRP of €160. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose: Vanilla immediately to the fore....
Tastings – Issue 8 – Kinahans Kasc Project Blend
Kinahans Kasc Project Blend This blended Irish whiskey is matured in hybrid casks, each cask being made from 5 different types of tree: Portuguese Oak, American Oak, French Oak, Hungarian Oak and Chestnut. Bottled at 43% ABV. and RRP of €50. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose:...
Tastings – Issue 8 – Hyde no.7 1893 Bodega Sherry Single Malt
Hyde no.7 1893 Bodega Sherry Single Malt Limited to 5,000 bottles, this triple distilled single malt has been aged for six years exclusively in ex-Oloroso Hogshead casks from Cadiz in South West Spain. Non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV and priced around €59....
Tastings – Issue 8 – Fercullen 10yo Single Grain
Fercullen 10yo Single Grain This single grain Irish whiskey has been matured for 10 years in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels and then recasked to mature in fresh bourbon barrels. Bottled at 46% ABV and retailing at €55. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose: Sweet nuttiness...
Tastings – Issue 8 – Tyrconnell 16yo Oloroso and Moscatel Single Malt
Tyrconnell 16yo Oloroso and Moscatel Single Malt A limited release from the Kilbeggan Distilling Company, this single malt has been aged for 16 years in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels and then further matured in wine casks from the Andalucia region of Southern...
Tastings – Issue 8 – Writers’ Tears Double Oak
Writers’ Tears Double Oak A new addition from Walsh Whiskey to the Writers’ Tears portfolio. This is a blend of two whiskey styles aged in two types of wood – American and French Oak. Triple-distilled, non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV and retailing at...
Tastings – Issue 8 – Redbreast Dream Cask 20yo PX
Redbreast Dream Cask 20yo PX A limited release of 924 50cl bottles, this is composed of four different single pot still whiskeys aging from 20 to 33 years from the Midleton distillery which were married in a single Pedro Ximénez (PX) cask. Available to members of the...
Tastings – Issue 7 – HYDE No6 1938
HYDE No.6 1938 An 18 year old triple distilled Single Malt with 8 year old Single Grain which were both originally aged in flame charred American Bourbon barrels and then married together for a further 9 months of finishing in Spanish, Vintage, toasted, Oloroso sherry...
Tastings – Issue 7 – RedBreast Sonny Molloy’s Single Cask 16yo
RedBreast Sonny Molloy’s Single Cask 16yo The first ever partnership between Redbreast Whiskey and a bar. This 16 year old Redbreast Pot Still was selected by Sonny Molloy’s Irish Whiskey Bar of Galway. Aged in a 500 litre Spanish oak sherry cask yielding 570 bottles...
Tastings – Issue 7 – Adare Manor Very Rare Single Cask
Adare Manor Very Rare Single Cask A collaboration between two powerhouse luxury brands, Midleton Very Rare and Adare Manor. The single cask single Pot Still Irish whiskey was laid down to mature in an American bourbon barrel in January 1995 making this a 23 year old....
Tastings – Issue 7 – Powers Garavans Single Cask
Powers Garavans Single Cask A Powers single cask release for the multi-award winning Garavans Bar in Galway. The cask yielded just 252 bottles of 15 year old Single Pot Still. Bottled at 46% ABV and retailing for €250. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose: Ooo that nose. That...
Tastings – Issue 7 – Irishman Single Malt Coffee Stout Finish
Irishman Single Malt Coffee Stout Finish A collaboration between Walsh Whiskey and Dick Mack’s Pub in Dingle. The limited run from the single cask yielded just 240 bottles. The barrel originally held Irish whiskey before being filled with a coffee stout from Dick...
Tastings – Issue 7 – Fercullen 14 Year Old Single Malt
Fercullen 14yo Single Malt Part of the first three releases under the Fercullen brand. This 14 year Single Malt has been matured exclusively in ex-Bourbon barrels by Master Distiller at Powerscourt Distillery, Noel Sweeney. Bottled at 46% ABV and RRP of €90. Omar...
Tastings – Issue 7 – Liberties Copper Alley 10yo Single Malt
Liberties Copper Alley 10yo Single Malt Second in the Dublin Liberties series this 10 year old Single Malt was initially aged in ex-American bourbon oak before being finished for around 6 months in 30 year old Oloroso sherry casks. Just 31 sherry casks were chosen for...
Tastings – Issue 7 – Mitchells Red Spot
Mitchells Red Spot The Mitchell family in close collaboration with Midleton Distillery have, after 50 years of absence, reintroduced Red Spot back into much admired Spot family. This is a triple-distilled, Single Pot Still Irish whiskey that has been matured for a...
Tastings – Issue 7 – Teeling Single Pot Still Batch 1
Teeling Single Pot Still Batch 1 The first Dublin distilled Single Pot Still to come out of the city in over 40 years and the first release from the stills of Teeling Distillery. 50% unmalted barley and 50% malted barley which has been triple distilled and matured in...
Tastings – Issue 7 – Dingle Single Pot Still Batch 2
Dingle Single Pot Still Batch 2 The second Pot Still release from Dingle Distillery. Drawn from 70% bourbon casks, 15% from Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and the remaining 15% from Oloroso sherry casks. Limited to 2,900 bottles, bottled at 46.5% ABV and expect to pay...
Tastings – Issue 6 – Dunvilles 12yo Single Malt PX Cask
Dunvilles 12yo Single Malt PX Cask Older sibling to the award winning 10 year old, this 12 year old single malt from Echlinville Distillery is finished in Pedro Ximinez sherry casks. Bottled at 46% and non-chill filtered. RRP €89.00. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose: Very...
Tastings – Issue 6 – RedBreast 21 Year Old Single Pot Still
RedBreast 21 Year Old Single Pot Still This multi award-winning single pot still Irish whiskey from the Midleton distillery is aged for 21 years in a combination of ex-Bourbon and 1st fill Oloroso sherry casks. Bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered. €185. Omar...
Tastings – Issue 6 – Knappogue Castle 21yo Single Malt
Knappogue Castle 21yo Single Malt This limited-edition single malt Irish whiskey is a marriage of 21 and 23 year old single malts and is limited to just 1,200 bottles. It is bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered. Available through travel retail at €180 duty paid....
Tastings – Issue 6 – Teeling Blend Chestnut Finish
Teeling Blend Chestnut Finish This distillery-only release is a blend of malt and grain whiskeys, aged between 4 – 6 years, which has been finished in chestnut casks for 6 – 12 months that once held PX brandy. Bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered....
Tastings – Issue 6 – Tullamore Dew 18 Year Old Single Malt
Tullamore Dew 18 Year Old Single Malt This award-winning single malt has been aged in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in a combination of Oloroso, Port and Madeira casks for at least 6 months. Bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered. Originally sold exclusively...
Tastings – Issue 6 – Bushmills Distillery Exclusive Acacia Wood 2008
Bushmills Distillery exclusive Acacia Wood 2008 This distillery-only 10 year old single malt was first matured in in charred bourbon barrels and toasted sherry casks before being finished for over a year in Acacia wood barrels sourced from France. Bottled at 47% ABV,...
Tastings – Issue 6 – Irishman Founders Reserve Caribbean Cask Finish
Irishman Founders Reserve Caribbean Cask Finish This limited release blend of single malt and single pot still (about 70:30) whiskeys has been triple distilled and after maturing in American oak bourbon barrels has been finished for 6 months in Chairman’s Reserve rum...
Tastings – Issue 6 – Method & Madness SPS Hungarian Oak
Method & Madness SPS Hungarian Oak A 6 to 8 year old light pot still (matured in Bourbon first fill barrels) is finished for 11 months in the virgin Hungarian casks. The oak itself is Quercus Patrae from the Zemplén Mountains. Bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill...
Tastings – Issue 6 – Irish Whiskey Society 10 Year Old Single Malt Carcavelos Finish
Irish Whiskey Society 10yo Single Malt Carcavelos Finish A special bottling in collaboration with Teeling Distillery to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Irish Whiskey Society. A single malt finished in Carcavelos cask. Bottled at cask strength of 57.6% ABV and...
Tastings – Issue 6 – Lambay Single Malt
Lambay Single Malt This triple distilled single malt is wholly finished in oak cognac casks from the French cognac house of Camus. Partly matured on Lambay Island where the casks been exposed to the sea air and maritime winds. Bottled at 40% ABV and non-chill...
Tastings – Issue 6 – Pearse Lyons 5 year old Single Malt
Pearse Lyons 5yo Single Malt The first release from Pearse Lyons Distillery to be fully produced in their own copper pot stills. Limited to just 4,000 bottles each individually numbered. Non-coloured and RRP €76.95. Omar Fitzell Notes Nose: Very light. Loads of malt...
Tastings – Issue 5 – Teeling Revival No.5
Teeling Revival No.5 The fifth and final release in the Revival series. Unlike previous releases which were limited to 10,000 bottles, this has a release of 15,000. Consists of 12 Year Old Single Malt Irish whiskey initially matured in Bourbon barrels and then given...
Tastings – Issue 5 – Dunvilles Three Crowns Peated
Dunvilles Three Crowns Peated The third release of the Dunville and Co. whiskey range from Echlinville. Believed to be only Ireland’s second peated whiskey. Bottled at 43.5% ABN. RRP €57. Greg Dillon Notes Nose: Light peat notes, lots of vanilla and appley notes...
Tastings – Issue 5 – Retronaut
Retronaut The first release out of Blackwater Distillery. A sourced 17 year old double distilled single malt. 100% ex-bourbon aged and bottled at 46% ABV. The first bottling was released to celebrate work commencing on the building of their new whisky distillery in...
Tastings – Issue 5 – The Dead Rabbit
The Dead Rabbit A collaboration between world-renowned Irish Whiskey Master Distiller Darryl McNally of The Dublin Liberties Distillery and Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry, co-founders of the award-winning Dead Rabbit Grocery Grog bar. The 44% ABV whiskey is a unique...
Tastings – Issue 5 – Lambay Blend
Lambay Blend One of the 2 initial releases from Lambay (the other being a single malt), this is a blend of malted barley and grain whiskey, is triple distilled, and matured in ex-bourbon barrels. Finished in a Camus cognac cask for approximately 4 months. Lambay...
Tastings – Issue 4 – Teeling Revival No.4
Teeling The Revival IV This fourth in the Revival series from Teeling was awarded the prestigiousBest Irish Whiskey Overall in this years Irish Whiskey Awards. This Single MaltIrish whiskey has been matured for 14 years initially in Bourbon barrels and then finished...
Tastings – Issue 4 – Midleton Very Rare 2017
Midleton Very Rare 2017 This 2017 release from the iconic Very Rare series from Irish Distillers gets a significant packaging makeover and new bottle design. Composed of single pot still of up to 26 years old and single grain up to 32 years old. Bottled at 40% ABV and...
Tastings – Issue 4 – JJ Corry The Gael
JJ Corry The Gael This first release from independent whiskey blender Chapel Gate is a 60% Malt 40% Grain blend which was awarded Gold medal at the 2017 Irish Whiskey Awards. The first batch is a release of 7,500 bottles. ABV 46% and RRP of €80. Greg Dillon Notes...
Tastings – Issue 4 – Green Spot Chateau Montelena
Green Spot Chateau Montelena This new release takes the standard Green Spot Single Pot Still and is then finished for 12 months in Zinfandel wine casks, from Chateau Montelena in Napa Valley, California. Bottled at 46% ABV and selling for a RRP of €70. Greg Dillon...
Tastings – Issue 4 – West Cork Distillery Bog Oak
West Cork Distillery Bog Oak This new release from the new Glengarriff Series is a Single Malt which is matured in Sherry casks before being finished for about 6 months in casks charred using bog oak fuel source obtained from the Glengarriff Forest. Limited to 4,800...
Tastings – Issue 4 – Writers Tears Cask Strength 2017
Writers Tears Cask Strength 2017 An annual release from Walsh Distillery since 2011, this 2017 release gets a packaging facelift. A cask strength vatting of Single Pot Still and SingleMalt, limited to only 5,280 bottles, each individually signed and...
Tastings – Issue 4 – Dingle Pot Still Batch 1
Dingle Pot Still Batch 1 The first Single Pot Still release outside of Irish Distillers for many years, this 50% malted, 50% unmalted triple distilled Pot Still is matured exclusively in Pedro Ximenez casks. Bottled at 46.5% ABV. RRP €90. Greg Dillon Notes Nose:...
Tastings – Issue 4 – DWD Heritage Edition
DWD Heritage Edition Launched by independent bottler Whiskey Distillery Company Ltd. in Octoberthis year, this revives the famous Dublin Whiskey Distillery brand which fellsilent over 70 years ago. This blend is bottled at ABV of 40% and carries a RRP of €48. Greg...
Tastings – Issue 3 – Method & Madness Single Malt
Method & Madness Single Malt The new Method and Madness range from Irish Distillers showcases innovation in the Irish whiskey sector. This single malt is initially matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and is part finished in French Limousin oak casks. Bottled at 46% ABV...
Tastings – Issue 3 – Prizefight
Prizefight A whiskey brand based on telling the incredible stories of the Irish who came to America and became the greatest fighters of their day. A blend distilled by West Cork Distillers and unusually finished in American rye barrels. Bottled at 43% A.B.V. RRP of...
Tastings – Issue 3 – Teeling Brabazon Vol 1
Teeling Brabazon Vol 1 The first in a new series of limited edition single malts, entitled the Brabazon bottling. The name is derived from the Brabazon family who presided over the Liberties area of Dublin from the 16th to 19th century. Limited to 12,500 bottles....
Tastings – Issue 3 – Bushmills Steamship Collection Port Cask
Bushmills Steamship Collection Port Cask Bushmills second release in the Steamship Collection inspired by theextraordinary voyages of the SS Bushmills steamship. This travel retailexclusive is a triple-distilled single malt and has been fully matured in ruby port...
Tastings – Issue 3 – Hyde 1916
Hyde 1916 A single grain whiskey from independent bottlers Hibernia Distillers.Matured for over 6 years in flame charred, first fill, ex-bourbon casks fromKentucky in the USA. Bottled at 46% ABV with an RRP of €47.99. Greg Dillon Notes Nose: Fresh, maybe even smoky...
Tastings – Issue 3 – Pearse Distillers Choice
Pearse Distillers Choice One of four new releases from the new Pearse brand. This is a blend of Irish grain and malt whiskeys ranging in age from 4 to 9 years, predominantly fromCooley but also contains some malt whiskey from their own stills. Bottled at42% ABV and a...
Tastings – Issue 3 – Slane Triple Casked
Slane Triple Casked A blended Irish whiskey aged in three varieties of casks: Virgin American oakand seasoned bourbon casks from the Brown-Forman cooperages, and Oloroso sherry casks from of Jerez in Spain. Bottled at 40% ABV and a fantastic RRP of €33. Greg Dillon...
Tastings – Issue 2 – Teeling Revival No.3
Teeling Revival 3 The beautifully presented third release in the Revival range from Teeling, this is a 14 year old Single Malt initially matured in ex-Bourbon casks followed by a finishing in regional French aperitif ex-Pineau Des Charentes casks. Bottled at 46% ABV...
Tastings – Issue 2 – Knappogue Castle 14 Year Old
Knappogue Castle 14 Year Old This Castle Brands release was named as the Irish Whiskey of the Year at the 2016 Irish Whiskey Awards. This is a 14 year old Single Malt we assume to be from Bushmills stock. The ‘twin wood refers to the use of ex-Bourbon and Oloroso...
Tastings – Issue 2 – Irishman 12 Year old
Irishman 12 Year old A 12 year old triple distilled Single Malt matured exclusively in ex-Bourbon casks. Limited to an annual release of just 6,000 bottles. Bottled at 43% ABV and with a RRP of €65. John Moriarty Notes Nose: Initially very earthy, umami almost, a...
Tastings – Issue 2 – Tyrconnell 16 year old
Tyrconnell 16 year old With new design packaging this is a Cooley distillery double distilled Single Malt fully matured in ex-Bourbon casks bottled at 46% ABV with a RRP of €95. John Moriarty Notes Nose: Very fresh, perfumed fruits including peaches and soft fleshy...
Tastings – Issue 1 – The Silkie
The Silkie The first release from the newly formed Sliabh Liag distillery in Co. Donegal. A blended whiskey bottled at 40% ABV and retailing at a RRP of €47. John Moriarty Notes Nose: Oodles of ripe green apples, butterscotch surrounds the fruitiness with a gentle hug...
Tastings – Issue 1 – Teeling Revival No.2
Teeling Revival two This “second Coming” is a 13 year old single malt initially matured for about 12 years in ex-bourbon casks. It was then finished for a further 12 months inan ex-Calvados, French apple brandy, cask. It has then been bottled at 46% ABV and without...
Tastings – Issue 1 – Redbreast Lustau
Redbreast Lustau Edition Redbreast Lustau is a single pot still Irish whiskey that has been finished in hand selected, first-fill sherry butts, with the aim of celebrating the iconicsherry influence found throughout the redbreast range. Redbreast Lustau has been...
Tastings – Issue 1 – West Cork 12 year old port cask finish
West Cork 12 year old port cask finish The company has been on the go since 2003 and in 2013 they moved their distillery into larger premises based in Skibbereen, West Cork. This whiskey has had a short finish in a port cask before being bottled at 43% ABV. John...
Tastings – Issue 1 – Dunvilles 3 Crowns
Tastings – Issue 1 – Dunvilles 3 Crowns After winning ‘best Irish single Malt (12 years and under)’ at the recent Irish Whiskey awards with their Dunvilles PX release let’s see how this follow-upfares. Bottled at 43.5%. John Moriarty Notes ose: A gentle...
Tastings – Issue 1 – Midleton Very Rare 2016
Tastings – Issue 1 – Midleton Very Rare 2016 First launched in 1984 the Midleton Very rare is a yearly release of 50exceptional casks that have been handpicked by the Master distiller and blended together to showcase all that the distillery has to offer....
Beer barrel aged whiskeys
Charles Maclean visits Dingle
Charles Maclean Visits Dingle October 11th 2019 saw Scottish whisky legend, author and Keeper of the Quaich, Charles MacLean, take time out from his very busy schedule to visit Dingle October 11th 2019 saw Scottish whisky legend, author and Keeper of the Quaich,...
1661 cocktail bar
1661 Cocktail Bar Tucked into a little corner just off Capel Street in the up-and-coming part of North Dublin you’ll find Bar 1661. The bar itself is warm and dark, that kind of warm darkness that only cold Irish nights bring out. There’s no TV, no blasting...
A highland fling
A Highland Fling Have any of us ever wondered just what a whiskey festival would look like at its inception? For those of us who have ever visited any festival which has been up and running for a period of time, by and large, everything seems to be going...
Conor McQuaid – First Year
Conor McQuaid – First Year Arguably the most influential role in the Irish whiskey sector and one year on from being appointed CEO and Chairman at Irish Distillers (IDL), we met with Conor McQuaid in their headquarters in Ballsbridge, Dublin. IWM:...
Haven in Crosshaven
Haven in Crosshaven In our series of Great Whiskey Bars, we travel to Crosshaven, County Cork, a quaint village on the south bank of the Owenabue estuary just thirty minutes drive from Cork city centre. It’s here in this village with a population of about 2,500...
Pearl Diver – part 2 of 3
Pearl Diver – part two of three The Insights of an Enthusiastic Whiskey Collector Welcome to this, the second article in this series about the fascinating world of whiskey collecting. In the first article, we debated the contentious topic of buying whiskey for...
An Irishman’s guide to visiting Islay
An Irishman’s guide to Islay For many it is the Mecca of whisky, a place of pilgrimage which produces smokey spirit unlike any other. Fanatics flock from far and wide to visit its rocky shores and windswept peat bogs, in the hope of imbibing their favourite...
Innovation in the category
Innovation in the category 2018 has been a busy year for the Irish whiskey industry and many exciting things have happened since my last column. The annual Whiskey Live was held in Dublin Castle showcasing many new brands and products, the new Red Spot whiskey...
Biodynamic farming
Biodynamic Farming At a time when the world is looking for sustainable, green and environmentally sound production, farming is at the very core of this movement. In fact, as we have featured before, Bord Bia is promoting sustainable attractiveness worldwide through...
Peated Irish whiskey
Peated Irish Whiskey Peated whiskey is the most exciting and under-appreciated opportunity in the Irish whiskey industry at the moment. A rather large statement, you might think, but allow me to explain why. The first peated whisky I ever tasted was the formidable...
As clear as crystal
As clear as crystal Enfant terrible or one of the new innovative standard bearers of the Irish whiskey industry? Mark Reynier’s characteristic bluntness and ability to ruffle feathers both in Scotland and now here in Ireland have set him apart from his...
The difference between Irish Whiskey, Scotch and American Whiskey
The difference between Irish Whiskey, Scotch and American Whiskey Irish whiskey is booming at the moment. Visitor numbers to distilleries are up, sales are up, and our national spirit is going from strength to strength. That’s all great news, and long may it continue....
Kieran Keane
Kieran Keane In the first of our new mini-series, we learn what it’s like to be on the other side of the bar and get an insight from the bartender’s perspective. To kick off the series we met with Kieran Keane to discuss how he got into the Irish whiskey industry and...
Cork’s patent still’s
Cork’s patent still’s THE UNTOLD STORY (PART1) You may not recognise the term “Patent Still”. This technology is far more recognisable when referred to as a Column still, Coffey still or Continuous still. Utilizing industrial revolution era technology,...
Of the land
Of the land With so much in the news of late highlighting provenance, terroir, grain prices and the introduction of new crops into the Irish whiskey fold, we spoke with Bobby Miller, head of the Irish Grain Growers group. It was fascinating to get his views, to hear...
Cask influence
Cask Influence Miren Somers explores the role cask influence plays on whiskeys flavour We’ve covered the ingredients and spirit styles, so now it’ s time to talk about my favourite part in the whiskey production process: maturation! If I could have any job in whiskey...
Mixology
Mixology For this issue’s look at Irish whiskey cocktails, we met with Richard Linden, Director of the Dublin Bar Academy. He says “We founded the Dublin Bar Academy in 2012 to give young and aspiring bartenders the training they need to step behind any bar in...
7 Sips – Sip 1
Seven Sips – Sip 1 The first of instalment of our Seven Sips series tracing the changing flavours of Irish whiskey down the centuries Mixologist Chris Hennessy, whiskey writer Fionnán O’Connor, and witch-hunting bishop Richard Ledred discuss the tastes of Irish...
Single grain whiskey
Single Grain Whiskey Having previously reviewed pot still and malt whiskeys, it seems appropriate to concentrate on grain whiskeys for this article. In Ireland, grain whiskey is usually used as an enhancing component of blends, rather than as a single product...
Tea, shrubs or old Irish whiskey?
Tea, shrubs or old Irish whiskey? The Freemans Journal “Dublin Trade Report” of October 18th, 1847, detailing the current market prices for sugar, tallow, tar, palm oil, timber, fruit, rum, rice, whiskey, tea and cocoa shells. Readers were informed that the...
Slane Distillery Visit
Slane Distillery As the completion of the much anticipated Slane Distillery draws nearer, we were kindly given the opportunity to tour the grounds and granted an interview with Co-Founder Alex Conyngham. Slane Distillery is set to open at the end of August....
Dick Mack’s
Dick Mack’s As we continue our series on great whiskey bars, Peter White chats with Finn MacDonnell and discusses the history and magic behind this this multi-award winning bar in Dingle, Co. Kerry.egal Definition of Irish Whiskey & its Misconceptions...
A tale of two cities
A Tale of Two Cities Craft Distilling in Dublin & New York We know the process well. The milled grain is mashed and then fermented over a period of days. The resulting wash is then distilled to a rarefied state, only to be barrelled up in order to...
Irish Whiskey – Myths and misconceptions
Irish Whiskey – Myths and Misconceptions Legal Definition of Irish Whiskey & its Misconceptions Irish whiskey is going through a new renaissance as consumers all over the world re-discover what the category has to offer. Thankfully the category...
A new generation of Irish whiskey mixed drinks
A New Generation of Irish Whiskey Mixed Drinks Thanks to two Belfast boys, Irish whiskey takes its rightful place in the cocktail pantheon Irish whiskey is experiencing a resurgence around the world, as more and more whiskey drinkers, learn of its unique...
Palace pride
Palace Pride As part of our series on great whiskey bars, we visit the Palace Bar in Dublin and talk to owner Willie Aherne about his pub and his love of Irish whiskey It’s a bright Thursday lunchtime as I make my way down Dublin’s Fleet Street and through the...
Clonakilty Distillery Visit
In the heart of West Cork lies the vibrant and colourful heritage town of Clonakilty, population of around five thousand. Being part of the well-renowned Wild Atlantic Way, the town is famous for its artisan food and drink, its festivals and friendly atmosphere. Its...
Beppe Durante – Italy
In Italy, it is nice to see the peoples were the only distilled spirit at home. A reaction when you mention Ireland. It is as if there is a magical connection between the two nations, a sort of thread that binds us, maybe because, in the past century, we have both...
Exclusive interview: Conor McQuaid
Arguably the most influential role in the Irish whiskey sector and one year on from being appointed CEO and Chairman at Irish Distillers (IDL), we met with Conor McQuaid in their headquarters in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Conor, can you give us a little bit about your...
Single malt Irish whiskeys
Words by Miren Somers. Last November I moved to London and due to the limited availability of Irish whiskey, I have been drinking a lot of Scotch! This is because the Irish whiskey category over here is mainly made up of three key players; Jameson, Bushmills and...
Irish wine, Irish whiskey and a little bird called Redbreast
Part 1 of 3 | Words by Eric Ryan. Strangely, for a northerly country that is quite the great banqueting hall, at Tara, and noted how damp and cloudy, a vibrant wine drinking tradition has existed in Ireland for over two millennia. A further oddity is that Irish...
Cask cocktail bar
The cocktail scene in Ireland has seen dramatic developments over the last number of years, particularly in the high-end sector. It’s no longer just Ice Teas, Margaritas and Black Russians. There is now a vast array of original cocktails and fresh takes on old...