Origin Spirits Ireland Ltd, creators of Kalak Single Malt Vodka and Ornabrak Single Malt Gin are pioneers in avant-garde single malt spirits. Following the same ethos, Currach Single Malt Irish Whiskey is a true innovation in the whisk(e)y world, and the first whisk(e)y to be finished in seaweed charred casks – Currach’s first expression with Irish Atlantic Kombu Kelp will be released in March 2020. 

Currach Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Atlantic Kombu Cask 

A fusion of tradition and innovation, Currach Single Malt Irish Whiskey celebrates one of the oldest and most venerable boats in the world. The Currach was a vessel of knowledge that enabled the early Irish monks to explore distant lands while harvesting expertise. Handcrafted like the whiskey, these boats played a pivotal role in Irish life and commerce.  

Using the finest of Irish malted barley, this contemporary single malt whiskey is triple distilled before being aged in ex-bourbon casks and is then finished in unique seaweed charred virgin oak casks. It’s this perfect union of the Irish land and sea that creates a rich multi-layered whiskey with a delicate umami character. 

The story…. 

Currach Boat

The currach is the traditional Irish boat made from wicker, animal skins and tar. It is one of the oldest types of boat in the world, possibly going back to Neolithic times. It played a significant role in the development of human civilization, from the spread of farming to carrying early Christian saints all over Europe. It was said to be the vessel used by Irish monks to discover the world and bring back religious artefacts and foreign technology, such as the alembic, to Ireland. The currach was used to transport whiskey across the Irish sea to Scotland (first exports of Irish whiskey), and is still used today to harvest seaweed in Ireland.

Malted Barley

Irish malted barley is recognized as being the best in the world. The fertile soils and mild, oceanic climate of Southern Ireland make it an ideal place to grow malting barley. The barley is non-GMO and sourced from local farmers who utilize eco-friendly growing methods. This produces a crop unlike any other and, once malted, creates a unique taste profile and character indigenous to the Irish terroir.

Distillation

Distillation takes places in the tranquil West Cork town of Skibbereen, nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way. Here the Irish malted barley is milled, mashed and fermented. Using traditional Irish distillation techniques, it is then triple distilled in copper pot stills to create a smooth and flavorsome liquid. The single malt new make spirit is then filled into ex bourbon casks and aged. 

Seaweed

Sustainably hand harvested off the wild Atlantic coast of Co. Clare, the seaweed is 100 % naturally grown and organically certified. Kombu is located in the extreme lower part of the shore. It can be sustainably harvested during low spring tides throughout the year. Fourth Generation Seaweed Harvesters, The Talty Family ensure only the finest seaweeds are selected for Currach Single Malt Whiskey.

Mildly salty and subtly sweet, Kombu is rich in umami, the fifth human taste. It has been used as a stable food source and ingredient in European and Asian cuisine for over 2000 years.

Cask Charring

The Atlantic Kombu seaweed is traditionally charred in small batches inside virgin American oak casks to impart a delicate and uniform umami fragrance into the wood. Once ready, these casks are filled with single malt Irish whiskey and allow to finish for three months.  The result is a magical fusion of two terroirs – Land and sea. 

Patrick Shelley, Founder of Origin Spirits Ireland Ltd. said;

“With Kalak Single Malt Vodka and Ornabrak Single Malt Gin, we adopted an avant-garde approach to producing world class single malt spirits, using the best of Irish ingredients and our tradition of distilling. Each of our products share the same DNA – Irish malted barley and copper pot distilled”

“Our vision on Currach was to create a single malt Irish whiskey based on various elements of the Irish terroir. Our land produces some of the best malted barley in the world and our seas yield wonderful organic and sustainable seaweed. Never before have these two elements been brought together in a whiskey and we are proud that this is a world’s first”. The union of land & sea has become the backbone of Currach, and gives it such a uniquely rich, multi layered and complex character” 

Tasting notes

Colour:            Amber Gold

Nose:               Toffee and raisins with hints of almond, backed by a roasted kombu aroma.

Palate:            Arabic roast coffee fused with salted caramel and dark chocolate 

notes complemented by nutty, earthy, lightly smoked and umami undertones.

Finish:              Dark and rich flavours fade to leave a persistent and delicately sweet

maritime finish. 

RSP:                 55 €

Availability:     Online: www.celticwhiskeyshop.com, www.irishmalts.com

Leading independent retailers (Celtic Whiskey Shop, Mulligans, Bradley’s, Ardkeen, World Wide Wines) 

For further information, contact Patrick Shelley  pshelley@originspirits.ie or Stephen Randles stephen@originspirits.ie 

Social Media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) @currachwhiskey

Whisky-Hamster  – www.whisky-hamster.com – is a recently opened price comparison website only dedicated to Whisky & Whiskey.

It gathers products and offers from more than 10 major shops in the industry and updates daily their stock, price and offers in order for the whisky fans to have access to the lower price for the dram of their dreams.

Whisky-Hamster was created a few months ago by two whisky fans, who have been working on this project next to their “real” job and family life. We made it because we needed it for ourselves and we thought it was worth sharing it with the whisky community.

As up today we have more than 9000 different products in stock from our partner shops for more than 20 000 offers and this number is growing every day as well as the number of shops joining our engine. On Whisky-Hamster you’ll find a very qualitative filtering system by age, distillery, region, abv, limited editions, special offers, miniatures… that will help you find very quickly the whisky you are looking for. Stop searching so many different shops in order to see where it is cheaper and where it is in stock and rather go to whisky-hamster and be redirected directly to the right one!

Our partner shops are mainly UK/EU based and delivery to the UK, EU and some even worldwide! Hope you’ll enjoy the experience.

Gordon & Macphail Mortlach 15 YO and the Springbank 10 YO Bundle

We also have our first Lockdown Deal available from now ! In our £100 bundle this week, we have the Gordon & Macphail Mortlach 15 Year Old and the Springbank 10 Year Old – a perfect combination of rich sherry and sweet herbal smoke – both staples on the Milroys shelves.

£100.00

Compass Box Rogues’ Banquet

Limited Edition · 70cl · 46% ABV

£179.95

ADD TO BASKET

Compass Box have always believed in doing things a little differently. Founded by John Glazer in 2000 with a desire to challenge a market he saw as bland and conservative. The whiskies are based on the old model of whisky blending – the blender’s art is to take individual parcels of whisky, marry them together, and create something that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Known for pushing the boundaries of whisky making, Compass Box have at times courted controversy, and are admired by whisky drinkers the world over. Their artistic label designs are instantly recognisable, and amongst the most striking and original in the industry.

To mark their 20th anniversary, Compass Box are releasing a number of limited edition whiskies to be celebrated, enjoyed, and shared amongst friends, family, and like-minded enthusiasts. Rogues’ Banquet is the first of these releases, featuring well aged malt whisky from Miltonduff, Clynelish and Glen Elgin with grain whisky from North British (reportedly all over 20 years of age).

Rogues’ Banquet offers a rich array of textures and flavours, from tropical fruits to stem ginger and toffee. Opulent and hedonistic, rather like the company behind the whisky.

Discover our full range of Compass Box Whiskies HERE.

New Milroy’s Mackmyra!

Back over in Soho, we have been working with a number of brands to bring you virtual tastings, so you can feel as though you are hunkered down in the back of Milroys for the evening, all from your own couch.

The first of these will feature our brand new range with Mackmyra. Join Eddie and Katie to talk through our three shiny new expressions, a PX, Grand Cuvee Champagne and Cloudberry Wine cask (more information about this to follow!!)

£269.46

KINDNESS. COMMUNITY. CREATIVITY.

Three hugely important things right now. Vital, in fact.

For all of our 20 years at Compass Box, we’ve had incredible support from the hospitality industry. And now during these difficult times, this community really needs ours.

So we’re offering limited edition Compass Box t-shirts, sweatshirts and tote bags, with the funds raised going to those in need.

The proceeds will go to supporting Another Round, Another Rally and the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation in the US, and equally deserving initiatives across the rest of the world. You can also simply donate whatever you can afford. Together we can make a real difference.

So be kind. Have hope. Look after each other. And please support creatively by visiting www.bonfire.com/store/compass-box

Thank you.

John & the Compass Box team

Compass Box Whisky Co.
Chiswick Studios
9 Power Road
London, England W4 5PY
United Kingdom

Whisky & Donuts™ Featuring Bunnahabhain 10 Year Old

Stunning Pairing

Whisky & Donuts are all about the art of pairing. Specifically, fine whisky and artisan donuts. In their most recent post – follow @whiskyanddonuts on Instagram for more – they featured our love sherried Bunnahabhain 10 Year Old TWB Originals® and a delicious strawberry chocolate donut.

Read the full paring and see more images in our latest blog HERE

ALL PHOTO CREDIT WHISKY & DONUTS™

Shop – Bunnahabhain 10 Year Old Originals® – £99.00

Edradour Ballechin
10 Year Old SFTC

Ballechin 10 Year Old Oloroso

These little pocket-rocket Straight From The Casks are brimming with flavour. Cask strength 60.3%, peated Edradour whisky matured in an Oloroso cask.

Shop – Edradour 10 Year Old – £70.00

There are few things which seem certain just now, but one thing you can always rely on is the Society bringing you a colourful collection of casks on the First Friday of each month. Since we’re spending a bit more time indoors, this month we’re encouraging you get creative in the kitchen and use some store-cupboard staples to make the perfect food pairing for your whisky.

You’ll find a mouth-watering selection of whiskies alongside culinary inspiration in this month’s Outturn, released at 9am on Friday, 3 April. Hop to the website to browse the release ahead of the big day.

READ OUTTURN       VIEW ALL WHISKIES

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Blood Oath Pact No. 6 Launches This Spring Finished in Cognac Barrels

Bourbon Series Continues To Release Successful Expressions

BARDSTOWN, KY (March 24, 2020) – In its sixth year, the Blood Oath ultra-premium bourbon series continues to see unique expressions – Blood Oath Pact No. 6 launches this spring. The series – a creation of Lux Row Distillers’ Head Distiller and Master Blender John Rempe – combines three selected bourbons, expertly blended for a distinctive whiskey.

For Pact No. 6, Rempe chose a 14-year ryed bourbon with notes of oak and leather, melded with an 8-year warm toasty ryed bourbon and complemented them with a 7-year ryed bourbon rested in cognac casks. The memorable combination brings caramel notes and hints of spice, along extra flavor from the cognac barrels.

“This particular pact is special in that the cognac barrels added some sweetness and a slight fruity, brandy flavor to the bourbon, creating an amazing taste profile,” says Rempe. “When selecting these bourbons, I wanted to see how these flavors meshed together and I have to say the result was spectacular.”

As with all the other expressions, Pact No. 6 is a limited edition, never to be made again, with only 17,000 cases being produced and sold globally. This expression continues with the tradition of a 98.6 proof and packaged in an intricate wooden display box, with the 750ml bottle being topped with a natural cork and emblazoned with John Rempe’s signature. The suggested retail price is $99.99.

“The Blood Oath series launched in 2015 and it’s hard to believe we have already created more than half a decade of Pacts,” adds Rempe. “I’m honored to see consumers searching for the new release every year and get as excited as I am when a new Pact hits the shelves,” adds Rempe.

ABOUT LUX ROW DISTILLERS

Real roots, real family, real products: Lux Row Distillers – a bourbon distillery experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – is a family-owned venture, bringing the Lux family history and spirits tradition to the bourbon industry. Lux Row Distillers is the home of Luxco’s bourbon brands, including Rebel Yell, Blood Oath, David Nicholson, Ezra Brooks and Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbons.

Located in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, the 18,000-square foot Lux Row Distillers includes a visitor center, barrel warehouses, a tasting room, and event space, making for an all-encompassing bourbon experience. The 80-acre property is home to an 18^th century stone house – which is registered as a National Historic Place – and a long, tree-lined driveway providing a scenic entrance to the distillery.

For more information about the distillery, visit www.luxrowdistillers.com. You can also like Lux Row Distillers on Facebook at www.facebook.com/luxrowdistillers or follow the distillery on Instagram @luxrowdistillers.