As far as I know (I'll confirm it later), this is the first bottling from Irish Distillers (IDL) that includes whiskey matured in an ex-malaga cask. Malaga is a sweet fortified wine from Spain. IDL doesn't do finishes so this component served out its full 12 years in the Spanish cask.
- 12 years old.
- 46% ABV.
- Aged in American bourbon barrels, Spanish sherry butts and Spanish malaga casks.
- Not chill-filtered.
- Annual production 500 cases.
- Recommended retail price: €65 for 70cl.
It's available from late May, 2012 and you can hunt a bottle down through:
- Mitchell & Son, Ireland
- La Maison du Whisky, France,
- The Whisky Exchange, UK
- Irisch Lifestyle, Germany
I don't know about availability in the US but I'm sure the US-based bloggers will be able to fill in that detail.
Tasting notes
These are supplied by Midleton's Master Blender, Billy Leighton.
Nose: The initial freshly mown hay aroma is given substantial depth by the typical Pot Still spices. Red bell peppers, freshly ground nutmeg, a tincture of clove oil and a splash of green tea, balanced with the sweet soft nose of honey and peaches contributed by the Malaga wine casks seasoned in Andalucia. An exquisite sensory experience.
Taste: The mouth coating sensation to be expected from this Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is apparent from the first sip. Honey sweetness with Pot Still spices, slowly gives way to a spectrum of flavours, from the depth of freshly ground coffee, up through creamy milk chocolate to crème brûlée, picking up some red apples and toasted oak along the way.
Finish: Sophisticated and complex, the sweetness of the initial sip remains throughout, with a beautifully succulent mix of red grape and dry barley grains at the exit.