Irish — Malthound

Sampling Midleton Very Rare 2020: Irish Whiskey At It’s Finest!

October 14, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Midleton Very Rare 2020!

Irish Distillers has unveiled the eagerly awaited Midleton Very Rare 2020, a unique parting gift from former Master Distiller Brian Nation!

This is the 37th edition in the world-renowned range!

In his final days as Master Distiller, Brian continued the long-standing tradition of hand-selecting whiskeys reserved for this coveted annual expression from Midleton Distillery’s exceptional inventory for the last time.

The result heralds the 37th edition in the world-renowned range.

Chosen from the most outstanding quality single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys laid down over the past four decades in Midleton, Co Cork, Midleton Very Rare 2020 showcases an expression of whiskeys aged from 13 to 35 years in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels.

“This dram is like nostalgia in a glass – I’m getting very wistful!”

This year, Brian Nation selected a higher pot still inclusion when compared to previous vintages, while also increasing the use of refill barrels amongst his choice of casks. The result is a luxurious and balanced whiskey with rich pot still notes and elegant grain distillates that take centre stage thanks to the inclusion of refill casks – a fitting legacy from one of Irish whiskey’s great Master Distillers.

As a colleague and friend to Brian for many years, I could not be prouder to present his final Midleton Very Rare vintage and his legacy as Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller, to consumers across the globe.

Selected each year with passion and precision, this expression offers an initial burst of tangy fruity sweetness on the palate, with pot still spices building over time to add a mild prickle of chili oil.

Indeed, Brian’s love of a single pot still is reflected in this exceptional whiskey, while preserving the balance and beauty for which Midleton Very Rare is renowned.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller at Irish Distillers

Former Master Distiller Brian Nation and Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman

In a break from tradition and in response to consumer demand for the annual vintage to be made available earlier in the year in question, newly appointed Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman will reveal Midleton Very Rare 2021 in spring next year, honouring a rare changing of the guard at the iconic Midleton Distillery.

Only the third Master Distiller to influence one of the world’s most sought-after whiskey collections, the unveiling of Midleton Very Rare 2021 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the world of Irish whiskey.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2020 is available online and in Ireland now, and will hit shelves in the UK, USA, Global Travel Retail, Australia, Germany and Canada in the coming months at the RRP of €180.

The Midleton Family!

I was lucky enough to be invited to an online sampling of this years Midleton Very Rare. Many thanks to midletonveryrare.com (Instagram: @midletonveryrare) for the invite – the beautiful sample and glass set & the chance to try such an amazing dram!
Slainte!

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Midleton Very Rare 2020 (40%)

For those who are curious, keeping the brand at 40% ABV (rather than have cask-strength versions) is designed to keep the balance of the whiskey just right and to maintain consistency over the yearly releases.

Colour: Golden sherry!

Nose: Gorgeous orange, tangerine and honeyed, vanilla toffee – delightful! There’s orchard fruits – mainly apples and heavy shades of dusky rooms, furniture polish and plasticine – love it!

Palate: Similar to the nose with increased lemon and orange citrus. The vanilla caramel combines well with delicate tropical fruit.

Finish: Incredibly smooth finish with a soft, spicy pepper.

Overall: This dram is like nostalgia in a glass – I’m getting very wistful!

Too be honest, it’s TOO drinkable, so restraint is required, unless you want to gaze upon an empty bottle in double-quick time!

I also Love the bespoke glasses which are very swish! They’ll be going on my display shelf for sure!

The beautiful Midleton Very Rare sample and glass set I was sent!

About Midleton Very Rare

Midleton Very Rare is the ultimate expression of craftsmanship from Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery. Released once a year, Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller hand-selects the finest and rarest whiskeys from the inventory of Midleton Distillery before blending them to create a true whiskey masterpiece, often referred to as the ‘pinnacle of Irish whiskey’.

Created in 1984 by Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, to date only two Master Distillers, Barry Crocket and Brian Nation, have had the privilege of preserving its legacy.

Midleton is also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Waterford Distillery Releases ORGANIC: GAIA 1.1 – Ireland’s First Organic Whiskey In Modern Times!

October 9, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

ORGANIC: GAIA 1.1

Waterford Distillery, the barley-forward, terroir-driven Irish distiller, has released Ireland’s very first organic whiskey in the modern age.

ORGANIC: GAIA 1.1 was distilled in 2016 from organic Irish barley grown by a small, dedicated band of organic farmers. The single malt whisky is certified by the Organic Trust.

Organic Farmer Jason Stanley

John Mallick, Paddy Tobin, Alan Jackson, Pat and Denis Booth, Jason Stanley and Trevor Harris rose to the challenge laid down by Waterford Distillery to produce the first Irish-grown organic malting barley.

It forms part of Waterford’s ARCADIAN SERIES, which celebrates radical growers and alternative philosophies, including heritage grains and unusual growing methods.

Waterford’s ORGANIC: GAIA 1.1 is matured in a spectrum of fresh, super-premium oak: 42% first-fill US oak, 17% virgin US oak, 23% premium French oak and 18% Vin Doux Naturel – sweet fortified wine casks. It is bottled at 50% ABV without colouring, chill-filtration or any additives whatsoever – totally natural.

It beggars belief that much of the industry treats with indifference the primary source of single malt whisky’s extraordinary flavour: barley. We have placed barley – where and how it is grown – at the heart of what we do, curious about where the real whisky flavour may be found.

A natural progression of this philosophy is to see what not only single farm origins can accomplish but what organically grown barley can do when it is given the right platform. Compliance for organic status is not straight forward by any means – there’ s a shed load of hoops to jump through, deep cleaning regimens, audits and assessments to undergo.

So, is it worth it? We certainly think so, what we lose in yield and hair pulling we gain in purity and definition of flavour.

We’re not playing at it; we lay down 400 to 600 casks of organic spirit a year, we buy all the Irish grown organic malting barley that can get our hands on. Waterford Organic will be a main player in our ongoing portfolio for the discerning whisky drinker.
– Mark Reynier: Waterford Distillery Founder and CEO

18,000 bottles will be released throughout Europe and Asia, with a further 6,000 bottles in the USA

ORGANIC: GAIA 1.1 is priced at approximately £80 / €80-86 / US $110 and will be available from specialist retailers in over 20 markets from October 12th worldwide.

18,000 bottles will be released throughout Europe and Asia, with a further 6,000 bottles in the USA.

Waterford Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Meet ‘Robin Redbreast’ – Celebrating The World Famous Irish Whiskey That Takes His Name!

October 1, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Robin Redbreast!

Redbreast Irish Whiskey has unveiled Robin Redbreast, an engaging evolution of its iconic character to inspire a new generation of whiskey lovers!

Elevating Robin Redbreast from the icon of the brand to the voice of the brand, Robin is a plucky yet charming character, with a dry wit and Irish sense of humour that reflects Ireland and the home of Redbreast in Midleton, Co Cork.
He is voiced by sketch comedian Ty who brought Robin to life with his fantastic Cork accent and adding his own personality to the project.

The star himself!

Evoking the quality and craftsmanship of Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Robin Redbreast’s new look is carved from wood, paying homage to the wood casks that help to make Redbreast Irish Whiskey so uniquely special.

Redbreast is also launching a global partnership with leading bird conservation charity, BirdLife International, to support the organisation on its mission to keep the common bird common.

Redbreast Irish Whiskey will raise funds, help to conserve and restore bird habitats and support BirdLife International in its quest to monitor bird populations so that deeper environmental problems (and successes) can be rapidly identified.

With the Robin being one of the world’s most recognisable birds, Redbreast Irish Whiskey is delighted to take the opportunity of the launch of its new character to announce its commitment to supporting BirdLife International and the welfare of not only Robins but all birds.
– Laura Hanratty: Head of Prestige and Speciality Brands at Irish Distillers

Robin Redbreast shows us around!

We welcome this partnership with the iconic Redbreast Irish Whiskey which promises support for our conservation work in Ireland and globally.

With the new Robin Redbreast ambassador launched, we’re looking forward to working with the Redbreast team as they join us in our mission to keep common birds, and not so common birds, common.
– Patricia Zurita: CEO, BirdLife International

The ongoing partnership between Redbreast and BirdLife International will aim to educate consumers on how to protect the common birds, and will see the first limited-edition Value-Added Pack launching later next month.

Redbreast is the world’s bestselling single pot still Irish whiskey, a style of whiskey which is historically unique to Ireland. First referenced in 1912, “Redbreast” was a nickname given to the whiskey by the chairman of Dublin whiskey bonders Gilbeys, who was an avid birdwatcher. The robin symbol has been synonymous with the brand’s growing reputation ever since.

Today Redbreast is considered the definitive expression of single pot still Irish whiskey and features a range of expressions from 12-Year-Old through to 15, 21 and now 27-Year-Old – as well as Redbreast Lustau Edition and the brand’s eagerly anticipated annual Dream Cask bottling of the rarest casks in the Redbreast inventory.

Redbreast is launching a global partnership with BirdLife International on its mission to keep the common bird common

The brand has built a global reputation for excellence by marrying a combination of the world’s finest aged pot still whiskeys, created at the world-famous Midleton Distillery in Cork, and finishing them in a combination of the very best bourbon, sherry and port casks.

With ambitious growth plans for Redbreast, which was also recently named in IMPACT’s top five-selling Irish whiskeys in the US, the introduction of Robin Redbreast has been designed to drive discovery with more whiskey fans, broadening its audience by creating a distinctive and memorable character for the beloved range.

Robin Redbreast will feature in a series of digital creatives, flying in to share brand news and celebrate occasions with whiskey lovers across the globe. Shot on location at Midleton Distillery, fans can also expect cameos from Irish Distillers’ expert whiskey blenders Billy Leighton and Dave McCabe.

Check out their amusing videos here:-

Introducing Robin Redbreast

Robin Redbreast Blushing

How to Enjoy Redbreast -With Robin Redbreast

Who introduced you to Redbreast – With Robin Redbreast

How did Redbreast get its name? – With Robin Redbreast

We know that the Redbreast audience is driven by curiosity and that they discover new brands that they can engage with online.

As we seek to widen the audience for the brand, it is a natural next step to introduce a modern-day digital evolution of our revered Robin that encapsulates the essence of the brand and the people who make it.
– Laura Hanratty

Robin Redbreast has been created by The Public House with CGI development produced by Jelly London and will be rolling out across global marketing channels from 1 October.

Redbreast Whiskey is available to buy from these online Merchants:-

Sampling Jameson ‘Crested’ – Finished In Stout Barrels – Beyond Morish!

September 28, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels!

I reported earlier this month that Irish Distillers had joined forces with Eight Degrees Brewing to create a unique edition of their beloved Jameson Crested.

Well, I’ve been fortunate to get hold of a sample from Jamesons (thanks!) and you’ll find my sampling notes below.

A limited-edition release of fewer than 10,000 bottles globally

Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels is the next step in an exciting collaboration between Irish Distillers and its Co. Cork neighbour, Eight Degrees, who last year celebrated eight years of adventurous craft beer brewing by releasing a uniquely dark Black Ball Metric Stout finished in Jameson barrels as the last iteration of their Rack ‘em Up Series.

Always seeking an opportunity to innovate, Jameson returned the compliment by selecting a special whiskey to mature in the stout soaked barrels. The result is a stunning evolution of Jameson Crested, with a rich stout influence married with a luscious creamy texture and lingering finish of pot still spices and malt.

A limited-edition release of fewer than 10,000 bottles globally, Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels is available from Jameson’s brand home outlets at Bow Street, Dublin, and Midleton, Cork.
It is also available through Jameson’s online shop at jamesonwhiskey.com, priced at €45 (70cl)

From mid-October, it will also be available to air passengers vising the new Dublin Airport shop in Terminal 2.

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels (40%)

Nose: Creamy stout, sweet, soaked raisins, crisp apples, chocolate and vanilla. After a while there’s woody aromas with hints of furniture polish and a dusty air!

Palate: Creamy mouthful, sweet chocolate, Christmasy fruits and pleasant shades of orange.

Finish: Smooth mild spice, creamy sweetness with a nice long peppery finish.

Overall: Beyond morish!

– If you’re a Jameson fan (and if not, why not?!) you must try this. If you don’t, you will regret it!

Remember – when-its-gone-its-gone!

Beyond morish – if you’re a Jameson fan (and if not, why not?!) you must try this!

Many thanks to the team at (@RxTLondon) for sending me the sample and, of course, jamesonwhiskey.com (@jamesonwhiskey) without whom!

Also, check out eightdegrees.ie (@8degreesbrewing) to see their wares!

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy neat to get the best of this liquid or pair with a craft stout (Black Ball Metric Stout the best suiter).

For something mixed try:

Eight Degrees Stout & Spiced

Ingredients: 40ml Crested x Eight Degrees, 100ml Fever Tree Spiced, Orange Ginger Ale, 3 dashes chocolate bitters.

To Make: Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in whiskey, bitters and top with spiced ginger ale. Garnish with an orange wedge.

Jameson Products are also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Introducing Jameson Crested X Eight Degrees Brewing!

September 10, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Introducing Jameson Crested X Eight Degrees Brewing!

Irish Distillers has joined forces with Eight Degrees Brewing for a unique edition of the beloved Jameson Crested.

Launching this month, Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels is the next step in an exciting collaboration between Irish Distillers and its Co. Cork neighbour, Eight Degrees, who last year celebrated eight years of adventurous craft beer brewing by releasing a uniquely dark Black Ball Metric Stout finished in Jameson barrels as the last iteration of their Rack ‘em Up Series.

This is a limited-edition release of fewer than 10,000 bottles globally

We were delighted when the opportunity arose to create a truly special whiskey.

When we were selecting a whiskey to mature in these barrels, Jameson Crested became the obvious choice. It’s higher pot still component and sherry cask inclusion allowed the whiskey to meet the impact of the stout head on, creating a balanced reaction.

We filled the casks in November last year and carefully monitored the whiskey’s progress. After about four months of ageing we felt it was just right. The stout influence is prevalent in the taste, complementing the whiskey beautifully.

It’s a truly unique liquid, perfect when enjoyed neat, paired with a craft stout, or as part of a spiced cocktail.
– Dave McCabe: Irish Distillers’ Blender

It was an honour to be given the opportunity to create our special 8th anniversary stout using barrels from Jameson, the world’s most popular Irish whiskey.

Today we are delighted to have made our mark on Jameson Crested, an icon of Irish whiskey, through the release of this special edition.
– Derek Neville: Head Cellarman at Eight Degrees Brewing

A limited-edition release of fewer than 10,000 bottles globally, Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels will launch in Jameson’s brand home outlets at Bow Street, Dublin, and Midleton, Cork, this month, and will be available through Jameson’s online shop at jamesonwhiskey.com, priced at €45 (70cl)

It will also be available to air passengers vising the new Dublin Airport shop in Terminal 2 from mid-October.

Tasting Notes: Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels – by Dave McCabe, Blender, Midleton Distillery

Nose: Rich stout influence; malt and vanilla chocolate. Jameson Crested pot still spices and dried fruits.

Taste: Luscious creamy texture, mild spice, roasted coffee beans and chocolate.

Finish: Sweet notes fade, pot still spices and malt lingers.

How to Drink:

Enjoy neat to get the best of this liquid or pair with a craft stout (Black Ball Metric Stout the best suiter).

For something mixed try:

Eight Degrees Stout & Spiced

Ingredients: 40ml Crested x Eight Degrees, 100ml Fever Tree Spiced, Orange Ginger Ale, 3 dashes chocolate bitters.

To Make: Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in whiskey, bitters and top with spiced ginger ale. Garnish with an orange wedge.

Jameson is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Irish Distillers Launches “Grow Your Own Cocktail” Web Series for Bartenders!

August 27, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Grow Your Own Cocktail!

Jameson Irish Whiskey, produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has launched a Grow Your Own Cocktail web series to promote local sourcing, collaboration and discovery among bartenders and local producers around the world.

Last year, the Jameson team brought bartenders, local farmers and producers together in communities across the globe to encourage mixologists to create locally inspired cocktails. The Jameson team captured all of their adventures, which fans can now enjoy as a six-part web series.

Create a Jameson cocktail using locally sourced ingredients!

The series will feature episodes from Dubai, Tel Aviv, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Stockholm and Cork, home to Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery, to educate and inspire the global bar community to use local and uniquely sourced ingredients.

Since the Grow Your Own Cocktail concept was born, Jameson has encouraged meaningful human connections between bars and their community through foraging, hosting masterclasses, and partnering with local expert craftspeople. This has inspired participants to embark on a journey of collaboration with local producers on a truly global scale.

Alongside the web series, Jameson is encouraging bartenders to proactively support their local community by joining the Grow Your Own Cocktail movement. Jameson is offering a €1,000 cash prize to be split equally between bartenders and producers who work in collaboration to create a Jameson cocktail using locally sourced ingredients.

The competition will encourage bartenders to leverage their local environment by creating a signature drink with ingredients sourced from a farm, corner shop or local market and winners will be encouraged to invest their prize back into their community through further local sourcing.

Entrants simply post their cocktail on Instagram, outlining the local ingredients used, background to the collaboration, and explain why Jameson should support them, along with the hashtag #GrowYourOwnCocktail. The contest will judge each Bartender’s fresh new cocktail. How their new serve celebrates and supports both the local community and the smooth taste of Jameson will also be rewarded.

The Grow Your Own Cocktail web series is integral in encouraging collaboration between the bar industry and their local craftspeople. The bar community has faced serious challenges in 2020, so now, more than ever the industry needs solidarity, creativity and innovation to help it through these times.

It’s Jameson’s mission to support this creativity and encourage bartenders to use their own environments in truly innovative ways.

The bartending community is at the heart of Jameson as the first advocates of our whiskey many years ago. We can’t wait to see what bartenders and their wider communities come up with.
– Brendan Buckley: Irish Distillers’ International Marketing Director

Bartenders are encouraged to join the global movement and combine local resources and ingredients

Episodes of the web series are being released throughout August and September via @JamesonHosts on Instagram and the Jameson Irish Whiskey YouTube channel.

For more information on how to enter the competition, bartenders should head over to the @JamesonHosts Instagram page. All posts must tag @JamesonHosts and the deadline for entries is September 14th 2020.

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Waterford Distillery Releases New Whiskies After Sell-Out Debut!

July 8, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Waterford New Single Farm Origins

After the dramatic success of its first commercial bottlings, which sold out within a matter of hours in major retailers across Europe, terroir-driven producer Waterford Distillery has brought forward four new whisky bottlings to meet demand.

Ballymorgan: Edition 1.1

The Single Farm Origin whiskies form part of Waterford’s highly sought-after range of uber-provenance, natural single malt whiskies, which explore Irish terroir one farm, once place, at a time.

Influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Distillery obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology & rigour to single malt whisky. For the first time the focus is on barley, the origin of whisky’s complex flavours. Irish barley is widely considered to be the world’s finest.

Waterford’s Single Farm Origin whiskies are expressions of precision and purity showcasing barley flavours derived from individual Irish farms and harvests.

The debut of two entirely new Single Farm Origins editions are:

Ballymorgan: Edition 1.1 – grown by Robert Milne on one of Ireland’s premier malting barley terroirs – the famous Clonroche Series in Co. Wexford, with its loamy, clay soils derived from slate and granite.

Sheestown: Edition 1.1 – grown just outside the historic town of Kilkenny on an undulating, well-drained, lowland terroir predominantly derived from limestone, by Phil O’Brien, father of one of our distillery workers.

In addition, a reprise of the original two sold out bottlings, slightly older second editions, has been brought forward to meet demand:

Bannow Island: Edition 1.2 – the second release, now 3 months older, was grown by Ed Harpur on the extreme southern coast of Co. Wexford, where salt-laden Atlantic winds and sandy soils create a unique, if challenging, terroir.

Sheestown: Edition 1.1

Ballykilcavan: Edition 1.2 – the second release, now 3 months older, uses barley grown by David Walsh-Kemmis west of the Barrow in Co. Laois in the barley heartlands, where his fertile fields are sheltered by ancient woodland.

Bottled at 50% ABV without colouring, chill-filtration or any additives – totally natural – each bottle is priced at €70-80/£70 and will be available from specialist retailers from the end of July 2020 onwards.

9,300 bottles of each whisky will be available throughout Europe, Taiwan and Japan, with totally unique Single Farm Origins coming to the US in September.

Supporting the unparalleled provenance is the full disclosure on each whisky, including barrel breakdown, barley agronomy, farm origin maps, distillation data, farm photography and field audio accessed via each bottle’s unique TÉIREOIR Code.

We knew there was great interest from the inquisitive, curious and open-minded in our unique philosophy but we were totally unprepared – and mighty humbled – by such an enthusiastic reception. We know this has meant some frustration for people getting their hands on a pair, but please bear with us.

Our distributors say this is the most successful launch of a new distillery brand they have ever seen, and we have all been taken off guard. Everyone associated with Waterford Whisky from farmers to maltsters to distillers to warehousemen should be very proud. Sure, it’s early days, but our novel, traceable, transparent, terroir approach seems to have found a niche appreciated by today’s enlightened consumers.
– Mark Reynier: Waterford Distillery Founder & CEO

Waterford is available to buy from:-

The Whisky Exchange

Redbreast Dream Cask Ballot Attracts ‘Staggering’ Number Of Entrants!

June 10, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition

With just 912 bottles produced, a staggering 7,400 people signed up for a chance to purchase this year’s Dream Cask, launched through Redbreast’s Birdhouse online members’ club to mark World Whiskey Day 2020!

A staggering 7,400 people signed up for a chance to purchase this year’s Dream Cask!

Thousands of whiskey fans entered an online ballot to purchase the new limited-edition Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition, produced by Irish Distillers at its world-renowned Midleton Distillery in Cork.

Bottle number one will be auctioned at the Celtic Whiskey Shop in Dublin, with all proceeds going to Marys Meals Ireland, which provides life-changing meals to some of the world’s poorest children every school day.

This is the first year we have launched Redbreast Dream Cask through a ballot system to make it as fair as possible for whiskey lovers to try our dream creation. The response has been phenomenal, with winners from a diverse range of countries; from Ireland, the UK, Germany and across Europe to Hong Kong, New Zealand, Japan and many more.

While we wish every entrant could have the opportunity to taste this year’s Redbreast Dream Cask, we’re delighted that many successful Birdhouse members will soon be enjoying this exceptional whiskey.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender at Irish Distillers

The Birdhouse gives Irish whiskey fans exclusive access to limited edition releases, information on the Redbreast family, interviews from the Midleton Masters and bespoke Redbreast gifts.

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition is the third release in a series of limited-edition Redbreast Irish whiskeys sold exclusively through The Birdhouse.

Redbreast Whiskey is also available to buy from these online Merchants:-

Irish Distillers Named ‘Importer Of The Year’ 2020!

May 27, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Redbreast Whiskey was presented with coveted Gold medals!

Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has been named Importer of the Year at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020.

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaleach

The accolade follows a stellar year for the world’s leading distiller of Irish whiskey, with brands across its portfolio achieving an outstanding 25 medals.

The Importer of the Year honour recognises the achievement of the distiller who attains the greatest number and level of medals. This year the award highlights Irish Distillers’ consistent commitment to producing whiskeys of outstanding quality to deliver exceptional experiences for discerning whiskey drinkers around the globe.

In addition to honouring Irish Distillers with one of its top awards, the judges of the annual tasting competition awarded its portfolio of Irish whiskeys with six Double Gold medals – including an exceptional performance from its celebrated and historic Spot range as Red Spot, Green Spot and Yellow Spot all collected a Double Gold medal.

Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength also received Double Gold, testament to the unrivalled quality and craftsmanship of the whiskeys produced at Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery in County Cork. Newcomer Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaleach Knockrath Forest was also highly commended, achieving a Double Gold medal on its first outing at the competition, reinforcing Midleton Very Rare’s standing as the pinnacle expression of Irish whiskey.

Midleton – Dair Ghaelach

The Redbreast portfolio continued its legacy as the world’s most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey as Redbreast 12, Redbreast 15, Redbreast 21 and Redbreast Lustau Edition were presented with coveted Gold medals. The bold and distinctive taste of the Powers range was also recognised, with the judges awarding Powers John’s Lane, Powers Three Swallow and Powers Gold Label with Gold Medals.

The accolades follow a dynamic new bottle design for Powers, announced earlier this year, as part of a bid to attract a new generation of drinkers to one of Ireland’s most loved whiskey brands.

Irish Distillers’ intrepid step into the modern premium gin market was also rewarded, with its METHOD AND MADNESS Irish Micro Distilled Gin taking home a Gold medal after being unveiled last year as the first release from Irish Distillers’ new Micro Distillery in Midleton.

The award acknowledges the commitment to experimentation and innovation within the METHOD AND MADNESS range, which continues to push the boundaries and re-write the future of modern Irish spirits.

We are delighted to have received such a fantastic range of honours from one of the world’s leading tasting competitions, and one of the ultimate accolades for any distiller to win – Importer of the Year.

We are incredibly proud that our whiskeys continue to impress both whiskey experts and connoisseurs around the world. These awards are a true testament of the passion, creativity and commitment of the world-class production team who make Midleton Distillery a special place to work.
– Tommy Keane: Production Director at Irish Distillers

METHOD AND MADNESS Irish Micro Distilled Gin

Now in its 20th year, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the oldest spirits tasting competitions of its kind. A blind tasting process guarantees that every entry is judged fairly and given equal consideration.

Full results from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020:

Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength – Double Gold Medal
Midleton Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest -Double Gold Medal
Method and Madness Single Malt – Double Gold
Green Spot – Double Gold Medal
Yellow Spot – Double Gold Medal
Red Spot – Double Gold Medal
Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition – Gold Medal
Method and Madness Irish Micro Distilled Gin – Gold Medal
Jameson Crested – Gold Medal
Jameson 18 Year Old – Gold Medal
Jameson Coopers Croze – Gold Medal
Redbreast 12 Year Old – Gold Medal
Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – Gold Medal
Redbreast 15 Year Old – Gold Medal
Redbreast 21 Year Old – Gold Medal
Redbreast Lustau Edition – Gold Medal
Powers John’s Lane 12 Years Old – Gold Medal
Powers Three Swallow – Gold Medal
Powers Gold Label – Gold Medal
Midleton Very Rare 2019 – Gold Medal
Method and Madness Single Grain Irish – Silver Medal
Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition – Silver Medal
Jameson Black Barrel – Silver Medal
Jameson Distillers Safe – Silver Medal
Jameson Blender’s Dog – Silver Medal

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Redbreast Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Powers Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Midleton is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Redbreast Dream Cask – Ruby Port Limited Edition – Released To Celebrate World Whisky Day 2020!

May 16, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition

Today, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers at its world-renowned Midleton Distillery in Cork, announced the release of its third limited edition Dream Cask to mark World Whisky Day!

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition will be available exclusively through an online ballot

Inspired by the flavours of the Iberian Peninsula, Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition is the first Redbreast expression to be fully finished in a single port cask, taking whiskey drinkers on a journey from the home of Irish whiskey to Portugal’s wine region.

The inspiration for the 28-year-old Dream Cask began during trials for Redbreast 27 Year Old – the oldest permanent expression in the Redbreast family.

During this time, the Midleton Masters discovered a liquid worthy of the Dream Cask name which uniquely comprises both a ruby port cask component and finish.

Created by Master Blender Billy Leighton, in collaboration with Blender Dave McCabe, Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition is the culmination of four extraordinary whiskey journeys dating back more than 30 years, which were set aside during the crafting of Redbreast 27 Year Old.

Aged for a minimum of 28 years in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels, an oloroso sherry butt and a ruby port seasoned cask, these exceptional liquids were then married in the ruby port cask to mature further as a single Dream Cask.

The result is a smooth and silky Irish whiskey with notes of assertive spices, dark chocolate and cinnamon which slowly reveal a luxurious layer of sweet ripe plums and exotic fruits reminiscent of the signature Redbreast style.

Bottled at 51.5%, the ruby port cask finish further contributes notes of raisins, sultanas and berries, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity. It is this final marrying phase which also gives the expression an intense mahogany colour.

It’s more than three decades since my predecessors went to the Douro Valley and hand selected the cask which would become Redbreast Dream Cask 2020. I’m delighted to be able to share its creation with whiskey lovers around the world.

Our third Dream Cask was created with a very significant fortified wine component. This imparts a unique balance of flavours, with less vanilla sweetness and more fleshy fruits that are associated with port.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender

Because a Dream Cask is not constrained by volume, we have great licence to select a unique expression with a bold flavour which couldn’t be replicated in a permanent offering.

Thankfully, Billy and I were in absolute agreement that this was the right time to release this year’s Dream Cask.
– Dave McCabe: Blender

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition will be available exclusively through an online ballot hosted on Redbreast’s private members’ club, The Birdhouse.

The ballot will be live from 15:00 (GMT+1) on Monday, May 25th until 14:59 (GMT +1) on June 2nd when successful participants will be given an opportunity to purchase a 500ml bottle for €490.

Tasting notes

Nose: Initially abundant with herbs and spices, some lighter notes of rosemary and garden mint combining with cedar and red peppers. Some zesty citrus notes develop into a rich compote of ripe fleshy fruit, melon, kiwi and black cherry on top of marcona almonds. The spicy sweetness of vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg acknowledge the contribution of the oak cask.

Taste: A very rich silky mouthful of assertive spices combined with sweet ripe plums. Dark chocolate and cinnamon notes slowly reveal a luxurious layer of ripe dark fruits which combine with raisins, sultanas and exotic fruits and berries which are typical of the Redbreast style.

Finish: The signature Redbreast mix of fruit and spice is slow to fade.

Additional production information:

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition represents four unique whiskeys which were aged for a minimum of 28 years and then vatted together and left to marry in the ruby port pipe cask. These include:

Cask 1- a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1989, matured in an ex-bourbon barrel and re-casked into a ruby port cask in 1995.
Cask 2- a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1991, matured in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel.
Cask 3- a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1991, matured in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel.
Cask 4- a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1991, matured in an ex-bourbon barrel and re-casked into a sherry butt in 2011.

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Full results from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020:

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Tasting notes

Additional production information:

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Tasting Notes – Midleton Very Rare 2020 (40%)

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Serving Suggestions:

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How to Drink:

Full results from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020:

Tasting notes

Additional production information:

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