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Irish Distillers Unveils METHOD AND MADNESS Mulberry Wood – A New Single Pot Still & World First For Irish Whiskey!

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METHOD AND MADNESS Mulberry Wood!

Irish Distillers has unveiled a new single pot still Irish whiskey finished in virgin Mulberry Wood into its celebrated and innovative METHOD AND MADNESS range!

In a world first for Irish whiskey, the limited-edition release has been finished in White Mulberry Wood felled in central Hungary, where the local climate creates the perfect growing conditions. The wood is then harvested and air-dried for two years at the Kádár sawmills in Tokaj before being transferred to a cooperage in Budapest.

The relatively high porosity and medium toasting of the exceptional Mulberry Wood casks impart elevated flavours of wood spices and enhanced toffee sweetness, along with a natural golden hue to the whiskey.

METHOD AND MADNESS Mulberry Wood is available to purchase online now and on shelf in Ireland and Finland from tomorrow at an RRP of €95

The whiskey, a single pot still distillate, was first matured in a combination of first fill and re-fill American Oak barrels, before being left to finish in 50-litre Mulberry Wood casks. Bottled at 46% ABV, the resulting whiskey is wonderfully complex with notes of smoked paprika, flavours of sweet toffee apple and a freshly cut wood character imparted from the virgin Mulberry Wood.

First launched in 2017, METHOD AND MADNESS continues to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey through innovative releases by harnessing the experience and creativity of the masters and fresh thinking of the apprentices at Midleton Distillery and Micro Distillery.

Just as the spirit of exploration and experimentation has guided the collection to date, this new release was born out of trials dating back to 2019, when Midleton’s Wood Planning and Maturation Team Lead, Finbarr Curran, sourced the rare Mulberry Wood casks from Budapest.

Back in Ireland, the team at Midleton experimented with different whiskey styles and maturation times for the perfect marriage between liquid and cask.

Just 50 litres in size and conducive to accelerated maturation, given the large surface-to-volume ratio, the Midleton Masters and Apprentices kept a close eye on the whiskey before finally settling on a finishing period of between three and eight months for a perfectly balanced wood contribution.

We are delighted to launch our limited-edition Mulberry wood finish, a world first for the category and the third world first in the METHOD AND MADNESS range. So far, our commitment to wood experimentation and maturation has taken us all over the world and led to the development of some of the most exquisite Irish whiskeys.

It’s been a joyous journey of discovery and we look forward to continuing this exploration as we keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Irish whiskey.
– Finbarr Curran: Wood Planning and Maturation Team Lead

With its unusual wood structure and small cask size, there’s no doubt that Mulberry Wood presented its challenges, with early trials failing.

But in the ethos of the METHOD AND MADNESS range, our relentless dedication to trial and error has produced a beautifully balanced whiskey. And it’s with great pride that we share this with the world today.
– Anna Lazaridou: Maturation Research and Innovation Technologist

METHOD AND MADNESS Mulberry Wood is available to purchase online now and on shelf in Ireland and Finland from tomorrow at an RRP of €95.

See it on YouTube

Tasting Notes

Aroma:
Caramelised Toffee Apple.
Freshly Cut Wood.
Toasted Pine Nuts.

Taste:
Sweet Pear.
Green Apple.
Smoked Paprika.

Finish:
Deep & Mellow.
Lingering Fruits
Intense Wood Spice.

Redbreast 10-Year-Old Launched To Celebrate 30 Years Of The Resurrected Brand!

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Redbreast 10-Year-Old!

The release celebrates 30 years since Irish Distillers resurrected the Redbreast Irish Whiskey brand in 1991!

Redbreast Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers at Midleton Distillery, has unveiled Redbreast 10-Year-Old, a reimagining of Gilbey’s historic expression, last produced half a century ago.

The limited-edition release celebrates 30 years since the resurrection of Redbreast Irish Whiskey and salutes the continuous revival of single pot still Irish whiskey on the world stage.

The packaging of Redbreast 10-Year-Old has been designed to enhance the traditional credentials of the Redbreast brand
Photo: Eoin Holland – www.eoinholland.com

Redbreast 10-Year-Old pays tribute to the historic expression originally produced by W.A Gilbey, a wine and spirits merchant operating in Dublin at the turn of the 20th century. As importers, Gilbey’s had an ample supply of sherry casks in their vaults and would source distillate exclusively from the nearby Jameson Distillery to mature in their casks. This special bottling of Redbreast 10-Year-Old has been reimagined for a contemporary audience, signifying the ongoing renaissance of single pot still Irish whiskey.

The liquid is composed of three exceptional distillates, spanning 10 to 15 years in age, matured in both American oak ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry seasoned butts from Spain. A truly special offering, the inclusion of a rare, more traditional style of single pot still distillate which is usually reserved for older age-statement whiskeys in the Redbreast range pays tribute to the historic expression last produced in the 1970s.

A significant contribution from the sherry butts references the prominent use of fortified wine casks in whiskey bonding throughout Ireland in the 1960s. Evoking the quality and craftmanship of Redbreast Irish Whiskey, this expression brings together rich and fruity flavours from across the world while paying homage to bonding, a tradition embedded in Ireland’s whiskey history.

The distinctive packaging of Redbreast 10-Year-Old has been designed to enhance the traditional credentials of the Redbreast brand, which was first brought to life in 1912, and features a timeline of significant dates in the brand’s history. The label, an outlier within the current Redbreast Irish Whiskey family and reminiscent of the original white label and red seal from the historic Gilbey’s 10-Year-Old, is set to appeal to the nostalgia of dedicated Redbreast fans around the world.

Bottled at cask strength, at an ABV of 59.1%, Redbreast 10-Year-Old will retail at €100. The expression will be available exclusively via The Birdhouse, Redbreast’s online membership platform, as a reward for loyal Redbreast fans whose dedication is driving the brand’s success as the most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey in the world.

Redbreast 10-Year-Old will retail at €100

This release rejoices the longstanding history of Redbreast Irish Whiskey and celebrates the distinctive qualities which Redbreast is known for globally. Redbreast 10-Year-Old offers a unique, rich flavour profile with notes of tropical and dried fruit, which gives way to a balance of richness from the inclusion of sherry casks.

I am delighted to share this release with whiskey advocates and Redbreast fans across the globe.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender

Redbreast has gone from strength to strength to become the largest selling single pot still Irish whiskey in the world, with a fascinating and rich history of which we are incredibly proud. For this limited-edition bottling, we seized the opportunity to praise the iconic sherry influence on the range and pay tribute to the rich history between Spanish and Irish craft.

This is a representation of the coming together of tradition, and true craftsmanship, which has been handed down for generations.
– Dave McCabe: Blender

Tasting notes:

Aroma: Intense aromatics of honeycomb and cedarwood with earthy notes, dried tobacco leaf and worn leather. Dark fruits linger in the background and slowly develop overtime along with toasted almonds and demerara sugar, while a pot still spice intensity continues to build, adding to the complexity of flavours layered over a strong foundation of oak.

Taste: Rich in tannins that work in tandem with the inclusion of traditional pot still distillate creating balance between oak and spirit. The oloroso wine casks emerge to contribute marzipan and fig along with subtle hints of mixed berry compote, while delicate touches of vanilla and treacle are found lingering in the background.

Finish: The pot still spices rise to a crescendo and then finally give way to the toasted oak and delicate sweetness that lingers until the very end.

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

Jameson Irish Whiskey Invites Everyone To ‘Join In’ With Its Month Long St. Patrick’s Day Celebration!

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‘Join in’ with Jameson Irish Whiskey for St Patrick’s Celebrations!

Jameson Irish Whiskey is extending a global invite to join in this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations, with a series of curated events, special edition party-at-home kits, and competitions that will run throughout March 2021.

The showcase of events will include a series of live streams, including performances from Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez alongside Dublin rappers Denise Chalia and Kojaque, R&B artist Savannah-Re, and Canadian rapper Junia-T on St Patrick’s Day (17th March).

Fans will also be invited to tune into a weekly live stream, from the beginning of March, via Boiler Room, and to join the Jameson team through the brand’s collaboration with Brooklyn-based internet football club, Nowhere FC.

Highlighting emerging talent and creatives from across the world, Jameson hopes to connect fans with communities by sharing unique experiences only accessible through its online partners, or via its Jameson Connects platform.

To kick off the global celebration Jameson will be bringing back its partnership with online music broadcasting platform Boiler Room, streaming sets every Wednesday in the run up to St Patrick’s Day, kicking off on 3rdMarch. The two performances are focused on connecting Jameson consumers with local talent, bringing the best of Dublin Rap and Indie to screens across the globe, allowing music fans to join in the celebration wherever they are. Customers can stream the gigs live via the Jameson Connects platform.

Jessie Reyez

The highlight of the month will fall on St Patrick’s Day, as Jameson streams into homes across the globe with a series of immersive performances. Celebrating hometowns and communities, fans will be brought to the streets of Toronto, Canada – home to Grammy nominated, Juno Award winning artist Jessie Reyez, the headline act of the main event Jameson Connects Jessie and Friends. Reyez, a long-time fan of Jameson, will be performing some of her critically acclaimed tracks including Coffin, Shutter Island and Figures. The global livestream will be available across four time zones on the 17th of March 2021, via the Jameson Connects platform. The performance is set to feature, Dublin based rappers Denise Chalia and Kojaque, alongside two Canadian artists Savannah-Re and Junia-T. Sign up for free tickets and check performance times on the Jameson Connects website.

In addition to the performance series, Jameson as also collaborated with Nowhere FC, the borderless internet football club based in Brooklyn, to create a collection of three limited edition football shirts, and accessories. The collection blends the aesthetics and histories of both partners, through the colours, style and motifs present on each design, symbolising the coming together of the Jameson and Nowhere FC communities as they join in with the St Patrick’s Day celebration. Fans can join the team, when the collection launches on on 10th March via Jameson.com and NwFC’s website.

Finally, Jameson will be launching a competition to offer one fan the ultimate opportunity to join in with its global celebration, by giving away a once in a lifetime St Patrick’s Day experience for 2022. All fans have to do is let the team at Jameson know – via the brand’s social channels and Jameson Connects platform – where they would like to spend St Patrick’s Day next year and why. , with one lucky winner being given the opportunity to live out their ultimate celebration in 2022!

St Patrick’s Day is a day to celebrate all that Ireland represents – culture, music and togetherness.

Jameson is ensuring that this year is no different as the whiskey brings its proud Irish spirit to life through a series of global virtual events and collaborations that encourage everyone to adapt an Irish state of mind and join in to safely celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2021.
– Brendan Buckley: International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers

For more information on Jameson’s St Patrick’s Day Celebrations head to the Jameson Connects platform that will house all of the activity mentioned above or follow via @jamesonwhiskey

Key links for the Jameson’s SPDS ’21 celebration:

To stream the Boiler Room gig click here
For Jessie Reyez’s & Friends tickets click here
To purchase the NwFC collection click here
To purchase a St Patrick’s Day cocktail kit click here

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

Deirdre O’Carroll Appointed As Blender At Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork!

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Deirdre O’Carroll, newly appointed blender at Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers has announced the appointment of Deirdre O’Carroll as Blender at Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork!

In her new role, Deirdre will work with Master Blender Billy Leighton in Midleton Distillery, and will be responsible for the development of new and existing blends, marrying together specific and intricate flavours and aromas, ultimately, creating a palette of tastes that make up Irish Distillers’ portfolio of Irish whiskeys.

“I look forward to channelling my knowledge and experience into my new role, while learning from Billy and the team.”

She will also be responsible for the management of stock, including cask profile and age profile, as well as laying down stock for future generations.

Deirdre holds a degree in Food Science and Technology from University College Cork and a diploma in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. Deirdre joined Irish Distillers in 2012 as part of the first year of the Jameson Engineering Programme.

During the two-year programme, Deirdre gained a solid foundation in the whiskey-making process and upon completion, was appointed as a Process Technologist. In this role Deirdre was part of the team involved the commissioning of the new pot stills in the Garden Stillhouse and the new columns in the Midleton Distillery expansion project. Most recently, she served as Bond Supervisor.

There are over 1.7 million casks maturing in Midleton. As Bond Supervisor, Deirdre helped oversee the filling and emptying of these casks with a wider team of 61 people over a split shift.

Deirdre was one of the first graduates to join as part of the Graduate Distiller Programme. The programme is designed to give graduates ownership of their career aspirations, supported by practical experience and training to help them succeed and Deirdre is a shining example of what success looks like.

In a few short years, Deirdre has risen through the ranks, proving how competent and capable she is in the roles that she has held, most recently managing a team of 13 people. She is an invaluable member of the team in Midleton and I am delighted to announce her appointment as blender.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender at Midleton Distillery

Deirdre will work with Master Blender Billy Leighton in Midleton Distillery and will be responsible for the development of new and existing blends

In simple terms, four simple ingredients can make an array of whiskeys; water, yeast, cereal and wooden casks. However, it is the sensory aspect, balancing the flavours, is what defines the taste.

I look forward to channelling my knowledge and experience into my new role, while learning from Billy and the team.
– Deirdre O’Carroll: Blender at Irish Distillers

Midleton Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Midleton Very Rare 2021 Released – First Midleton Vintage Whiskey From Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman!

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The First Midleton Very Rare vintage from Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman!

Irish Distillers has opened a new chapter in Irish whiskey as they reveal Midleton Very Rare 2021 – the 38th edition in the renowned and highly collectable range and the first in the series to be masterfully created by Irish Distillers’ new Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman!

Kevin O’Gorman took several months to explore the finest casks in the Midleton inventory

The Midleton Very Rare legacy began over four decades ago when the then masters, ever keen to create exemplary expressions, began setting aside small amounts of exceptionally performing whiskey for a new luxury offering in the world of Irish whiskey. Today, Midleton Very Rare is globally renowned as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.

In keeping with tradition, #MidletonVeryRare2021 is a balanced blend of rare and hand-selected single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys from Midleton’s extensive inventory. It includes whiskey aged between 15 and 36 years and matured in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels.

Making his first selection as Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman took several months to explore the finest casks in the Midleton inventory as he sought to put his own mark on this eagerly awaited annual limited-edition release. Drawing on his experience in both distillation and maturation, O’Gorman elevated the grain whiskey contribution for the 2021 vintage to create a delicate and elegant whiskey.

In order to maintain a luxurious, balanced aroma and taste profile, O’Gorman selected a perfect mix of first fill and second fill casks to enhance the wood contribution while allowing the pot still component to express itself.

Midleton Very Rare 2021 vintage will be the first to be launched at the start of the year

The result is a whiskey of great finesse, with a floral, perfumed character. The higher selection of grain whiskeys extends the spectrum of flavours and aromas to include baked orchard fruits, lime zest and kiwi, perfectly rounded off with mild pot still spices and soft waves of vanilla from the exceptional bourbon casks.

It is a great honour to become the custodian of this extraordinary Irish whiskey family and to have my signature adorn our 2021 vintage.

The journey to launching this vintage began almost 40 years ago. Continuing the work of my predecessors was both a daunting and extremely enjoyable process that allowed me to explore some of our rarest casks and create an exceptional blend that sits seamlessly within the family.

I am particularly proud to have been able to include distillate that was laid down in 1984, the year the collection was first conceived by Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, from who I have learned so much.

For me, this vintage adds a new dimension and elegance to the style and quality for which the range is renowned. I couldn’t ask for a better way to begin my chapter as Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller

Midleton Very Rare 2021 is available online and in Ireland now!

Beginning a new tradition under the guardianship of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman, the Midleton Very Rare 2021 vintage will be the first to be launched at the start of the year, in response to consumer demand.

As the new Midleton Very Rare calendar establishes this year, Ireland, online platforms and select markets will retain an allocation for a second sales period in late autumn to ensure availability before the festive period, in keeping with customer expectations.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2021 is available online and in Ireland now, and will hit shelves in the UK, USA, Global Travel Retail, Australia, Germany, France and Canada in the coming months at the RRP of €180.

Shop online: midletonveryrare.com

Midleton is also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Jameson Distillery Bow St. Awarded “World’s Leading Distillery Tour” For The Third Year In A Row!

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Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Jameson Distillery Bow St. has been named the World’s Leading Distillery Tour at the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the third year in a row!

The awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence in global travel and tourism and the win further strengthens Bow St.’s position as a leader in tourism, globally.

Jameson Distillery Bow St. have been open for over two centuries

The 27th World Travel Awards Grand Final Ceremony took place virtually this year. The ceremony marks the final of the WTA Grand Tour 2020, an annual search for the finest travel and tourism organisations in the world, where the winners of WTA’s six regional ceremonies go head-to-head for the coveted world titles. Having been awarded Europe’s Leading Distillery Tour earlier this month, Jameson Distillery Bow St. competed against an impressive finalist list from around the world that included Macallan, Hennessy, Jack Daniels and Jose Cuervo.

We are extremely honoured to be awarded this very special accolade, which is voted for by travel and tourism professionals, and consumers worldwide. To win three years in a row is incredible and, given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the disruption that the travel and tourism industries have faced globally, this acknowledgement is particularly special this year.

The award honours and recognises our commitment to excellence at the spiritual home of Jameson and is an acknowledgement of the incredible work of our team at Bow St., who provide every visitor with an unforgettable and unique experience – in-person, and now, virtually. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their continued passion, dedication, hard-work and creativity, especially as we navigate these more difficult times together, as a team.
– Greg Hughes: Managing Director, Jameson Brand Homes at Irish Distillers

Congratulations to Jameson Distillery Bow St. on being named the World’s Leading Distillery Tour at the World Travel Awards, for the third year in a row. It is a truly well-deserved accolade and an acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication of the team. In what has been an extremely difficult year for everyone working in travel and tourism, this is some really good news for Irish tourism.

Over the years, Jameson Distillery Bow St. has established itself as an important attraction on the itineraries of international visitors to Dublin. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the team there, in 2021 and beyond, to welcome many more overseas visitors when the time is right, coming to experience all that Jameson Distillery Bow St. and our great city of Dublin have to offer.
– Niall Gibbons: CEO of Tourism Ireland

Greg Hughes, Managing Director, Jameson Brand Homes at Irish Distillers and Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland.

The doors of Jameson Distillery Bow St. have been open for over two centuries, with millions of people crossing the threshold over the years. While in-person distillery tours are closed in line with Government recommendations, Bow St continues to welcome Jameson fans in new and unique ways.

This December, Government guidelines permitting, the home of Jameson will begin offering a range of interactive, fun and immersive virtual experiences from the comfort of home. From cocktail making classes to whiskey tastings perfect for teambuilding or Christmas parties, Jameson provides kits, know-how and of course, whiskey, to create a memorable at-home experience.

In addition, Jameson has a range of Christmas gifting ideas online and in store when retail reopens at Jameson Distillery Bow St, and Jameson Distillery Midleton, from the world’s best loved Irish whiskeys to personalised bottles, cocktail kits, hip flasks and glasses.

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

Redbreast Whiskey Launches Limited Edition Bird Feeder With BirdLife International!

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The Redbreast Whiskey limited edition bird feeder !

Redbreast Irish Whiskey is today launching a limited-edition copper whiskey casing that neatly transforms into a beautiful bird feeder!

Following the launch of a partnership with BirdLife International earlier this year, €15 for every limited-edition Redbreast 12 Year Old purchased will be donated to support Redbreast’s and BirdLife International’s joint mission to keep common birds common.

Available to pre-order now!
Photo: Eoin Holland – www.eoinholland.com

Available from the Redbreast website for €60 (£50), the intricately designed shell sits around a bottle of Redbreast 12-Year-Old, the world’s bestselling and most awarded single pot still Irish whiskey. Once removed from the bottle, the casing can be filled with bird feed and hung in the garden to keep our feathery friends fed as the weather gets colder, protecting common species from becoming endangered. The bird feeder enables whiskey fans to sit back and enjoy a warming drink in the comfort of their own home while watching nature fly by.

After much anticipation, we are extremely excited to launch the beautifully crafted whiskey casing that has been specially designed to double up as a bird feeder. We worked closely with BirdLife International to ensure the bird feeder honours our mission of helping to protect not only Robins, but all common birds, as we move into the colder months and food begins to become scarce.

We are thrilled to provide this at no additional cost to Redbreast fans across the globe and simultaneously further support the work of BirdLife International by donating €15 for each limited edition bottle sold
– Laura Hanratty: Head of Prestige and Speciality Brands at Irish Distillers

With winter fast approaching and at least 40% of all bird species in decline, Redbreast and BirdLife International’s partnership aims to give whiskey lovers the tools they need to help take care of their local birds. The partnership will also raise vital funds to conserve and restore bird habitats and help encourage whiskey-lovers to monitor bird populations so that deeper environmental problems (and successes) can be rapidly identified.

Not only is the whiskey casing beautiful, it will also help support our feathered friends throughout the cold winter by providing them with a valuable source of food. Whether they’re garden birds or migratory birds passing through, all species will benefit from this, not just Robin Redbreasts.

This bird feeder will also spread awareness of the simple, yet important, things we can all do to help protect birds whilst also raising vital funds.
– Patricia Zurita: CEO, BirdLife International

40% of all bird species are in decline

BirdLife International is widely recognised as the world leader in bird conservation, with the charity and its 10 million members and supporters doing all they can to reverse the trend and protect birds. The charity has 100 BirdLife Partners worldwide that strive to conserve birds, habitats and global diversity, as well as working with people and organisations to promote the sustainable use of natural resources.

To find out more about the bird feeder and the partnership between Redbreast Irish Whiskey and BirdLife International, please visit redbreastwhiskey.com or birdlife.org.

The limited edition Redbreast 12 Year Old with copper bird feeder casing is available to pre-order now at the price of €60 (£50) and will ship in December.

About BirdLife International

BirdLife International is the world’s largest nature conservation Partnership. Together we are 116 BirdLife Partners worldwide and growing, with almost 11 million supporters, 7,000 local conservation groups and 7,400 staff. BirdLife is widely recognised as the world leader in bird conservation, a United Nations-recognised civil society observer, and our unique local-to-global approach delivers high impact and long-term conservation for the benefit of nature and people. Find out more at www.birdlife.org   

Sampling ‘Blue Spot’ Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – If I Were You I’d Grab Your Spot!

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Blue Spot!

I was lucky enough to be invited to the online launch of Irish Distillers’ ‘Blue Spot’ Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey yesterday which has reunited the original Spot whiskey family for the first time since the 1960s!

Blue Spot is non-chill filtered & cask strength

The highly anticipated Blue Spot has been reimagined at cask strength, paying homage to the bonding tradition from which it was born and as part of the event launch via ‘Zoom’ I was sent an amazing set of ‘Spot’ Whiskey samples to try!

Blue Spot’s name was derived from the Mitchell’s practice of marking their maturing casks of whiskey with a mark or daub of coloured paint to determine the age potential of the whiskey.

Blue Spot was a 7 year old whiskey, Green Spot (10 year old), Yellow Spot (12 Year Old) and Red Spot (15 year old).

⬤ Blue Spot is a Limited Edition, non-chill filtered, cask strength release that will see ABV varying annually.
(This release has an ABV of 58.7%)
Cask strength releases are a bit unusual for Irish Distillers but the decision was based solely on taste and it was felt that a higher ABV was the best way to represent the dram.

It is now available at the RRP of €80 in Ireland, UK, France, Canada, Northern Ireland and Global Travel Retail, and in the USA from February 2021.

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

Tasting Notes – ‘Blue Spot’ Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (58.7%)


Nose: Lots of apple, closely followed by pear. Toffee makes an appearance coupled with refreshing tropical fruit flavours that come through a little later. Quite nutty as well.

Palate: Very smooth considering it’s formidable cask strength! Creamy toffee, chocolate and hints of tropical fruit. Cane sweetness tops it all off nicely.

Finish: Spicy, fiery pepper (that is reduced with the addition of water.) Well balanced by creamy toffee and fruit.

Overall: This dram is really lovely!

Very drinkable, even at cask strength and I certainly agree with the decision that cask strength presents this dram at it’s best!

It’s a limited edition so I doubt it’ll be available for long – so if I were you I’d grab your spot!

And the future?
I asked as there are still a few more colours left in the rainbow, would they broaden the range in the future? Orange spot? Indigo spot maybe?!
The answer:
“Well they would be new releases but you can never say never.”

So … watch this spot!

Many thanks to spotwhiskey.com (Instagram: @GreenSpotIrishWhiskey) for the invite & the chance to try such an amazing set of drams!
Slainte!

⬤ Green Spot is available to buy from these Merchants:-

⬤ Yellow Spot is available to buy from these Merchants:-

⬤ Red Spot is available to buy from these Merchants:-

About Blue Spot

Blue Spot was originally produced by the Mitchell family who commenced trading in 1805 at 10 Grafton Street in the heart of Dublin city as purveyors of fine wine and confectionery. Seven generations later, the company is still in the wine and spirits business under the stewardship of Jonathan Mitchell and his son Robert.

The Mitchell family expanded into the whiskey bonding business in the early 1900s, whereby they sent empty wine and fortified wine casks via horse and cart to the local Jameson Distillery which were then filled with new Pot Still spirit and returned to the Mitchell’s maturation cellars. There, the whiskeys matured for many years under bond until they were ready to be bottled and sold.

Irish Distillers Releases ‘Blue Spot’ Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – The Palette Is Complete!

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Blue Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey!

Irish Distillers has once again joined forces with the Mitchell family to unveil its reimagined Blue Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey!

With the most recent existing record of Blue Spot dating back to 1964, the launch will signal the end of a 56-year wait among the global whiskey community for the re-introduction of Blue Spot, reuniting the historic Spot Family for the first time in over half a century.

The story of the legendary Spot Irish whiskey range began in the early 1900s when celebrated wine and spirits merchants, Mitchell & Son, began maturing whiskey from the local Jameson Distillery in Bow Street in their underground cellars in Dublin City Centre.

Blue Spot is available from this month at the RRP of €80

Blue Spot takes its name from the blue daubs or ‘spots’ of paint that the Mitchells used to mark the barrels to signify that the whiskey in those casks were to be matured for a minimum of seven years.

Building on the foundation of bourbon and sherry casks, the reimagined Blue Spot includes whiskey aged in Madeira casks, inspired by the historical inventory of Mitchell & Son and typical of the Spot style of whiskey.

The Midleton masters, in collaboration with the Mitchell family, were influenced by archive documents dating back to 1935 showing Madeira wine casks imported to Ireland which, once emptied, would have been used to mature whiskey.

The team at Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery have been sourcing Madeira wine seasoned casks for over 20 years. These casks are carefully handcrafted in a cooperage in the north of Portugal and then sent to the island of Madeira.

Once seasoned, the casks are shipped back to Midleton and filled with pot still distillate and left to mature, allowing the Madeira wine influence to impart wonderful flavours of stewed apples, hazelnuts and sweet spices.

These Madeira casks, along with ex-Bourbon and ex-sherry casks are then hand selected and married together to achieve the perfect flavour balance. Bottled at cask strength, the result is a luxuriously rich and characterful whiskey.

It is with absolute pleasure that we reintroduce Blue Spot and bring a piece of Dublin’s rich whiskey history back to life.

Over the years I have had the honour of collaborating with the Mitchell family, who for generations have celebrated the influence of fine wines on Irish whiskey, as we have reintroduced expressions to the beloved Spot range.

I am incredibly proud to celebrate with Jonathan and Robert Mitchell on this historic day as Blue Spot takes its place alongside Green, Yellow and Red Spot, reuniting the whole family once again.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller at Irish Distillers

“As the full Spot range comes back to life, we find ourselves bursting with pride for the role our family played in the creation of this treasured range of whiskeys.”

It’s been a privilege to shed light on the history of whiskey bonding in Ireland and the role our family had to play in it as we relaunch Blue Spot.

The inclusion of whiskey aged in Madeira casks adds flavours that would have been originally introduced into Irish whiskey by the Mitchell family.

As the full Spot range comes back to life, we find ourselves bursting with pride for the role our family played in the creation of this treasured range of whiskeys.
– Jonathan Mitchell: Managing Director at Mitchell & Son

⬤ Blue Spot is a non-chill filtered, cask strength release that will see ABV varying annually.
This release has an ABV of 58.7%
It is available from this month at the RRP of €80 in Ireland, UK, France, Canada, Northern Ireland and Global Travel Retail, and in the USA from February 2021.

Distillery Tasting notes:

Nose: A light mix of pineapple, kiwi, green banana and lime zest followed by Pot Still spices, baked apple, hazelnut and toasted wood.
Taste: A smooth mouthfeel with a subtle mix of fruit, a hint of clove oil and cracked black pepper corns. Sweet spices, vanilla and cinnamon add to the wood’s nutty contribution.
Finish: A lasting and distinctly palatable balance of exotic fruits and spices.

⬤ Green Spot is available to buy from these Merchants:-

⬤ Yellow Spot is available to buy from these Merchants:-

⬤ Red Spot is available to buy from these Merchants:-

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

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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:-

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