Just a very quick note to let you know that our line-up of ‘exhibitors’ for our Festival in a Box 2.0 is coming together nicely! We have the list of these, so far, on the Eventbrite page…

So if you were waiting to find out the contents of the packs themselves before buying, hopefully this will go some way to satisfying your curiosity!

Read on…

This pack and event is gearing up to being our best yet, with over 20 samples included in each pack, plus, plus!

Not forgetting that the live events take place over the Father’s Day weekend and the ‘mini-masterclasses’ go live at the same time. So if you want something truly unique and worthy for your whisky-loving dad, this could be the one…

As promised, here is a list of just a few of the whiskies on ‘show’;

Spey Fumare Cask Strength
Langutan Old Deer 46%
Nikka Miyagikyo
Laphroaig 10yo Sherry Cask
Glen Moray Tokaji Cask
Port Askaig 100 Proof
Waterford Grattansbrook
Pike Creek 10yo Rum Barrel Finish

It is going to be a real smorgasbord of cracking drams from all over the world, with video tastings of all of them available by the time the weekend comes around!

So what is included and what does it cost?

Festival in a Box – Standard Edition £45 (inc. delivery)

– ALL samples of ALL of the exhibitors mini-masterclass whiskies. This will be around two dozen samples of 30ml or more.

– Glencairn tasting glass

– Can of Larkfire Wild Water for Whisky

– Access to ALL festival sessions, whether live or on-demand

BUY NOW – Festival in a Box 2021

There are other editions to accompany the live sessions, as follows. Each one includes EVERYTHING within the Standard Edition, plus…

The BBQ and Cocktail Edition £55 (inc. delivery)

Includes the cocktail ingredients and BBQ rubs you’ll need for the Friday night session. Only 50 packs originally available.

The Blending Edition £55 (inc. delivery)

Includes the blending components you’ll need for the Saturday night session. Only 50 packs originally available.

The Desert Island Drams Edition £55 (inc. delivery)

Includes the special drams you’ll need for the Sunday night session. Only 50 packs originally available. (previously the Desert Island Karaoke Edition)

The Ultimate Edition £95 (inc. delivery)

Includes everything you need to take part in ALL of the above three sessions. Only 20 packs originally available.

Whichever ‘Edition’ you prefer, just hit the button below and select your preference directly in Eventbrite.

BUY NOW – Festival in a Box 2021

Please note that the packs will NOT be sent out until just before the event itself, so please be patient and bear this in mind when ordering! For those of you with tickets for festivals that have been postponed, without a confirmed date re-arranged, you can put the value of your tickets towards one or more of the Festival in a Box packs. Please hit the button below and fill in the pre-fab’d email with your details.

Festival Ticket = Credit towards Festival pack

That’s it for now!

Best Wishes,
Eddie
The Whisky Lounge

ralfy review 877 – Edradour Ballechin single malt @ 46%vol:

THE DUBLINER IRISH WHISKEY COLLABORATES WITH RASCAL’S BREWERY

FOR LIMITED-EDITION BEER CASK SERIES

The Dubliner Irish Whiskey has launched The Dubliner Smoked Stout Whiskey, the first release from the brand’s latest limited-edition collection, The Dubliner Whiskey Beer Cask Edition Series, following a collaboration with one of Ireland’s leading craft brewers, Rascal’s Brewing Company.

The Dubliner Smoked Stout Edition is a whiskey packed with personality and flavour, bottled at 40% ABV. If freshly baked oat cookies, honeyed sweetness and fresh cinnamon spice, followed by big creamy maltiness and subtle toasty smokiness floats your boat, this is one whiskey you’re going to need in your life. 

You’ll need to be quick though -The Dubliner Irish Whiskey Smoked Stout is a limited edition with fewer than 2000 bottles on sale, available to customers in Ireland now online from www.thedld.com for €35.

This latest collaboration saw the award-winning Dubliner Irish Whiskey share their ex-bourbon whiskey casks with fellow Dublin neighbour and independent Irish craft brewer, Rascal’s, with the brewers filling the casks with their high quality, unfiltered and unpasteurised beer.

Following bottling, the casks were returned to the Dubliner team, with each cask refilled with The Dubliner Irish Whiskey, allowing the flavours of the beer, having soaked into the casks, to seep into the three-year-old whiskey, creating a delicious blend that’s set to excite whiskey and beer fans alike.

“We are excited to launch the Dubliner Smoked Stout Irish Whiskey in Ireland. This is the latest in our flavour work on the brand. Dubliner Irish Whiskey is committed to making whiskey accessible for anyone to try. Big on flavour, it is sure to appeal to whiskey and beer drinkers alike.” Bronagh Hunt, Global Brand Director, Irish Whiskeys at Quintessential Brands.

There will be more releases from The Dubliner and Rascal’s in the coming months so keep your eyes peeled for more news soon – top tip: you’ll hear of the latest releases first by following the brand on Instagram so check out The Dubliner Irish Whiskey (@dublinerwhiskey).

ABOUT THE DUBLINER

The Dubliner Irish Whiskey is part of the Dublin Liberties Distillery’s portfolio of Irish whiskeys, majority owned by Quintessential Brands. A young, dynamic distillery team located at The Dublin Liberties Distillery in the Liberties, the old whiskey district of Ireland; opened in February 2019 and considered one of the leading players in reviving Dublin’s local whiskey production. The Dubliner range is available to purchase at www.theDLD.com . 

ABOUT QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS GROUP

Established in 2011, Quintessential Brands Group is one of the most successful spirits companies to emerge from the UK in the last decade. The company offers a complete range of services and products to its customers across the world; producing and distributing some of the world’s most-loved spirits brands, including Greenall’s, the Original London Dry Gin, Opihr Spiced Gin and BLOOM Gin, as well as developing and producing some of the most commercially successful retailer brands of recent years for trade customers, and co-packing for some of the world’s most well-known spirits brands.

Recognised by the industry as International Spirits Challenge Gin Distiller of the Year five times in the last six years, Quintessential Brands is renowned for its unrivalled gin distilling capabilities heritage dating back to 1761 and is emerging as one of the most dynamic new entrants in the Irish whiskey market with the Dublin Liberties Distillery. With world-class product development and manufacturing at four world-class production sites across Europe and an award-winning premium brand portfolio comprised of English Gins, Irish Whiskeys, Irish Creams and Liqueurs, Quintessential Brands is committed to being the indispensable spirits partner of choice to its customers across the world, with customers and insights at the heart of everything we do.

Headquartered in London, Quintessential Brands Group distributes its brands and services through regional business units and distributors internationally.

For more information, visit the Quintessential Brands website: https://quintessentialbrands.com

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS WELCOME DELAY ON DOUBLING OF E.U. WHISKEY TARIFFS

For Immediate Release – May 17, 2021

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The historic Kentucky Distillers’ Association today applauded the joint U.S. and E.U. decision to delay the doubling of tariffs on Bourbon and American whiskey that were set to automatically increase June 1.

“This is welcome news as distillers in Kentucky and across America were perilously close to a crippling blow on European exports,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “This gives both sides some breathing room to return to free and fair trade and once again level the playing field for Kentucky’s signature spirit.

“We deeply appreciate the leadership the Biden Administration, Congressmen John Yarmuth and Andy Barr, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and all global leaders who are working to resolve this ongoing trade dispute that has slashed exports and jeopardized the certainty of our largest overseas markets.”

Tariffs imposed on U.S. spirits slashed Kentucky Bourbon exports by 35% in 2020, with shipments to the European Union plummeting by nearly 50%. Sales to the U.K., formerly Kentucky’s largest market in the EU, also have been decimated by 50%.

Distilleries in 36 states exported whiskey in 2020, with Kentucky ranking second behind Tennessee. Total American Whiskey exports reported a similar downturn, declining 29% from 2018 to 2020. U.S. whiskey exports to the EU fell sharply 37% in that time and sank 53% to the U.K.

“We are obviously thrilled that discussions have started and both sides are committed to resolving this issue by the end of the year,” Gregory said. “We look forward to getting back to zero tariffs and what we do best – crafting the finest Bourbon for all the world to enjoy.”

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com 

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian — Responsibly.

Our May auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from Friday 21^st May until Sunday 30^th May.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Hibiki – 35 Year Old (Kutani)

Macallan – 72 Year Old (Lalique) The Genesis Decanter

Yamazaki – 1984 (Vintage Malt)

Macallan – Blake @ LXXX (Eight Decades Collection)

Karuizawa – 31 Year Old (Sapphire Geisha)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.co.uk.

Three American Oak Single Cask Whiskies

In the coming days, we will release three American Oak Single Cask whiskies.—

In addition to an American Oak Bourbon Single Cask (TD0177), we will be releasing an American Oak Tawny Single Cask (TD0317) and an American Oak Second Fill Single Cask (TD0121). All three are exceptional examples of the malt-led Sullivans Cove spirit working alongside the characteristics of American Oak for long-term maturation.

TD0177 American Oak Bourbon Single Cask, bottled at 47.2% was matured for over 14 years in a 200L cask and yielded only 122 bottles.

TD0317 American Oak Tawny Single Cask, bottled at 47.9% was matured for over 12 years in a 300L cask and yielded 427 bottles.

TD0121 American Oak Second Fill Single Cask, bottled at 47.5% was matured for 14 years and 5 months in a 300L cask and yielded 440 bottles.

Further cask information and tasting notes can be found on our online store.

“American Oak casks complement our malt-driven spirit and suit our gentler approach to all aspects of the whisky making process. With a more porous surface, American Oak lends itself to long-term maturation, with the vannillan characteristics of the wood marrying perfectly with our new make spirit.” – Heather Tillott, Head Distiller

These whiskies will be released via ballot.

The ballot will open for 24 hours from 11am Hobart time on Tuesday 25th of May, 2021. Further details will be sent via email prior to the ballot opening. Please note, entries will be strictly limited to one bottle per cask, per person. You’re welcome to enter all three ballots. Successful entries will be notified shortly after the ballot closes.

FacebookInstagram

Website

Limited-Edition, One-of-a-Kind World-Class Whiskies
Featuring bottlings from Ardmore, Bunnahabhain, Tomatin, Tormore, and Tullibardine

Today’s offer represents the rarest of the rare in the world of Scotch. These mature, ultra-limited bottlings will easily provide a centerpiece to any collection rich in the best of whisky. Coming in both 700ml and 750ml sizes, the complexity and power across the board is unmatched, as these K&L exclusive single casks have been selected among many as the finest their respective distilleries have to present. Only a handful of bottles of each are available for the world, and you’re seeing them here first. We recommend swift action to secure your allocation on pre-arrival, as once these whiskies are gone, they’re gone for good.

* Please note that some of these rare spirits items are offered in our regular 750ml format, while others are bottled in 700ml format. These items are on pre-arrival, ready for pickup or delivery in late summer 2021. Please refer to each individual product page for more detail.

1994 Tomatin 25 Year Old “Hunter Laing Old & Rare” Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($249.99)

Tomatin is a fascinating distillery with a unique history and many incarnations, from starting as a bulk blender and supplier and eventually shifting to a steadfast focus on quality single malt production. From the early 1900s through the mid ’70s, Tomatin grew continuously. They added stills multiple times as demand for their product increased exponentially. By 1975, they were the largest single malt production facility in Scotland. Sadly due to market forces they never operated at their full capacity, and by the mid ’80s the massive bust in the market for Scotch was impossible to ignore. Tomatin was liquidated and became the first of many Scottish distilleries to be purchased by Japanese companies. Today owned by the company known as Takara Shuzo, Tomatin has many bottlings on the market, but it is the choicest single casks that command the most attention. Here we have an incredible single cask of sherry-finished Tomatin 25 Year Old at a natural strength of 49.3% ABV. Expect a great value single malt with tropical and stone fruits in abundance, melded with sherry spice and orange peel dipped in chocolate.

1989 Tullibardine 31 Year “Hunter Laing Old & Rare” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($299.99)

Tullibardine sits in Blackford not far north of the border between Highlands and Lowlands. Historically, it produced a nutty malt that was generally filled into tired casks and sold off for blending. Their lack of a strong wood management program meant that single casks were a crapshoot. If you managed to get a great one, you could have a phenomenal spirit. If the cask was past its prime, the whisky was nothing to write home about. In 1994, the distillery was shut down. It wasn’t until new ownership took over in 2003 that the distillery reopened and saw a huge influx of new casks. They also tweaked the spirit for a more high-toned fruit profile. While the results from this change have been excellent, it is the older, nuttier style that, if aged properly in a quality cask, really is a treat. This 31-year-old beauty comes from 1989, before the shutdown, and was filled into a quality sherry butt. The combination is an over-the-top nutty richness, dusty cocoa, and spices mixed with sun dried fruits.

1988 Ardmore 31 Year “Hunter Laing Old & Rare Heritage Platinum Selection” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($349.99)

Only 60 bottles will be available of this intriguing, old Highland peater. Distilled in April 1998 and bottled in 2019 at 50.2% ABV without dilution or chill filtration, the Platinum Selection represents the very best of what Hunter Laing has to offer. These casks are the bottler’s finest stocks and are selected not only for their exquisite rarity but also their unbelievable quality. Built in 1898 by William Teacher, the Ardmore Distillery is one of the Highlands’ best kept secrets, offering only an extremely limited selection bottled by the distillery, and the Ardmore malt remains a key component in the popular Teacher’s Highland Cream, which may be why they’ve neglected to market the wonderful peated Highlander beyond the current limited offerings. This very old barrel offers an incredible expression of old-school Highland malt with deep coal smoke, cured leather, wild honey, and tart red fruit. Just perfect at nearly 100 proof, it needs no water to open but could use some air to develop fully in the glass. Despite the high quality and limited availability, the price is extremely reasonable, and it should be given some serious consideration by any lover of old peated whisky.

1988 Tormore 31 Year “Hunter Laing Old & Rare Heritage Platinum Selection” Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($349.99)

This lovely Oloroso Sherry butt from the Tormore Distillery was distilled in May of 1988 and bottled in 2019. A sister to the wonderful barrel we purchased last year, this time bottled in 700ml, it represents one of the best values in old, sherried malt available in Scotland today. The Tormore Distillery and its iconic copper roof is one of Speyside’s newer distillers. Built in 1958, great care was taken with the design of the exterior, unlike at other distilleries of the period. The distillery was expanded in 1984 and can produce upward of 3.7 million liters of alcohol per year. Nonetheless, it’s extremely rare to find Tormore of any age in the U.S. The relatively short and wide stills give a rich and textured spirit that lends itself nicely to sherry aging. Bottled at natural cask strength of 49.1% ABV and without chill filtration, only 60 bottles of this exceptional cask are available in the U.S. exclusively at K&L Wine Merchants. As described by the bottler, “This amber coloured whisky matured in an Oloroso sherry butt has lashings of hazelnuts, coffee, chocolate and tobacco on the nose. Spicy and nutty on the palate with a touch of toffee leading to a long, rich, peppery finish.”

1987 Bunnahabhain 30 Year “Hunter Laing Old & Rare” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($399.99)

This stupendous old Bunnahabhain is as complex and delicious as it is rare. Of course, any Islay whisky that’s made it to the 30-year mark will command an extremely high price, but considering where the distillery’s own 25-year is priced these days, we felt this single cask offered significant value. Distilled in 1987 and bottled at a natural cask strength of 48.4% ABV.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Speyside 28 Year Old 1992 Infrequent Flyers

Speyside 28 Year Old

1992 vintage. Infrequent Flyer from a virgin oak cask packed with plenty of flavour and character. Oily, spicy, viscous and fruity. 28 Year Old 1992 vintage single malt Scotch whisky from a secret Speyside distillery. Single virgin oak barrel barrel #4824 bottled 2020 by The Alistair Walker Whisky Co. for the Infrequent Flyers series. 271 bottles.

Nose: Floral, fragrant, and very fruity – pears, bananas and ripe pineapple. A hint of toffee.
Taste: Really vibrant. Vanilla custard, honeycomb, cookie dough. Malty, with soft oak prevalent, and warming spices.
Finish: Viscous and oily.

Mystery single malt that don’t want to reveal their true identity. Rummage around and with a bit of investigation you are sure to find a rare unspecified bottling from independent bottler.

Cask #4824

BUY NOW

THE CRAFT IRISH WHISKEY CO.’S FIRST RELEASE STRIKES GOLD IN THIS YEAR’S GLOBAL AND HIGHLY INFLUENTIAL A’ DESIGN AWARDS

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. wins the highest scoring Gold award in ‘Packaging Design Category’ for The Devil’s Keep Experience Box

12^th May 2021, London The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. achieved Gold in the ‘Packaging Design Category 2020-2021’ of the A’ Design Award for The Devil’s Keep experience box, which was the luxury Irish whiskey’s first release. The A’ Design Award and Competition is the world’s most prestigious and influential design accolade, which acknowledges the best design and most innovative products from international brands and designers.

With over 4,000 entries submitted from the world’s top designers, the competition is judged by over 200 jury members from the International Design Academy, to form The Grand A’ Design Award Jury Panel, including design professionals, press and academics, who award brands across five categories: Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron. The award-winning products and designs will be formally announced at the official A’ Design Award Gala-Night and Exhibition in Italy, which will take place later this year.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. was the highest scoring Gold Award, achieving 9.9 within the top 2% of the category, missing out on Platinum to Pepsi Co’s redesigned packaging. It was the only whiskey brand to be awarded ‘Gold’, within the ‘Packaging Design Category’, alongside over 20 innovative brands awarded Gold in the A’ Design Award. It marks The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s third win of the year after being awarded ‘Luxury Drinks Secondary Pack’ for the design of The Devil’s Keep experience box at The Luxury Packaging Awards 2020 and Highly Commended for the design of The Devil’s Keep bottle in the ‘Luxury Drinks Primary Pack’ award in February 2021.

The Devil’s Keep is a rare triple distilled, 29-year-old single malt whiskey and one of the finest whiskies that Ireland has ever created. It was the first release from The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., making this accolade a moment of particular significance for Founder, Jay Bradley, and Design Director, Tiago Russo. The launch of The Devil’s Keep in November 2020 saw just 333 bottles released – with an additional 333 expected later this year. It was the most expensive inaugural first release in history, which sold at auction at USD $60,000 (almost £46,000 and €51,000 Euros), and the oldest triple distilled Irish whiskey in existence, only to be topped by The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s second release in February 2021 of the 30-year-old The Emerald Isle Collection.

The Devil’s Keep was designed to be a multi-sensorial experience, which engages all five senses. The Devil’s Keep bottle is encased in an experience box made up of two custom-locked cases, secured by bespoke brass Japanese style locks. The minimalist outer case of the experience box has a dark stained oak finish and a bolt of geometric gold detailing, while the burgundy leather walls that line the inner case help to refract the colours of the whiskey. Housed inside the box are the exquisite whiskey accessories: two uniquely designed glasses, an atomiser, a measure of barley, a carafe of water, a pipette and whiskey stones. To protect the main packaging, a structural transit box was designed in two parts, allowing a vertical extraction which makes the experience as effortless and ergonomic as possible.

No detail was overlooked in its creation, from the vial of barley sourced from the same malting house that housed the original barley for the whiskey, through to the carafe filled with water sourced from the Antrim hills which was also used for the original whiskey. A custom-designed pipette enables water to be applied precisely to release the micelles and the flavours, while obsidian whiskey stones can be used in place of ice to prevent the dilution of the whiskey. A special ‘angels’ share’ atomiser has been designed by expert perfumer Sarah McCartney, which is unique to The Devil’s Keep. It captures the unmistakable aroma of walking through the halls of a whiskey warehouse full of maturing whiskey, evaporating into the ether. Bespoke glasses, a custom numbered whiskey certificate and a detailed booklet which tells the story of The Devil’s Keep are housed in each door.

Tiago Russo, Design Director at The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., said: “It is a huge honour for The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. to be recognised amongst some of the most well-established brands in the world. The A’ Design Award is the highest achievement in design, celebrating exceptional work from some of the most renowned names in the industry. Through the power of design, I was able to create a product that brings to life the story of The Devil’s Keep and celebrates Irish heritage and whiskey through a multi-sensory experience. The accolade is particularly special as The Devil’s Keep is the brand’s first release, and it now sets the benchmark for The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. in the future as one of the brands to watch in the luxury whiskey space.”

Jay Bradley, Founder at The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., commented: “I am so proud that we have been recognised in the A’ Design Award for The Devil’s Keep. It has taken our team years of dedication, craftsmanship and passion to create a unique whiskey experience. To be recognised in such a prestigious category is a huge achievement, which has allowed us to take centre stage alongside some of the most exceptional products in the world. Through the launch of The Devil’s Keep, my mission was to challenge global perceptions of Irish whiskey by creating the most luxurious drinking experience – ultimately filling the gap in the market for ultra-luxury Irish whiskey.”

Following the success of The Devil’s Keep and The Emerald Isle Collection in partnership with Fabergé, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. will announce its third release in June 2021.

For further information about The Devil’s Keep, please visit: https://www.craftirishwhiskey.com/the-devils-keep/ Instagram: @craftirishehiskeyco

Website: https://www.craftirishwhiskey.com/the-devils-keep
Video: https://vimeo.com/473493966 (password: watch)

Notes:

Price: 10,000 Euros

About The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.:

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is different. This is not mass-produced whiskey, but an attention to detail and crafting processes that create the very finest craft Irish whiskey.

The company sources rare whiskey and uses ultra-premium finishing barrels to mature its whiskey due to the high quality of the wood and previous spirit or wine that helps deliver complex flavour profiles. The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., knows that a premium level of spirit stored in this type of barrel adds deep and complex flavours into the finish which produces a phenomenal Irish whiskey.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. uniquely cask their whiskey at 52% ABV. Adding water in at the start allows the water and whiskey to marry over time creating a far smoother whiskey.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is the proud whiskey partner of the The MICHELIN Guide and a partner in the Michelin Star Revelation Great Britain and Ireland 2021.

https://vimeo.com/457863988

History of Irish Whiskey

 It is little known that Ireland invented whiskey in the 14th century and dominated the sector. By the 1800s, a group known as the ‘Dublin Whiskey Masters’ brought the art of whiskey making to its zenith with iconoclastic disruption. However, although Irish whiskey suffered a dramatic decline due to an unfortunate set of geopolitics, it is now being reborn and today, clawing back past glories. Ireland’s emerging, small-scale but disruptive distilleries have the talent and freedom to innovate whiskey on a scale not seen since the 19th century. The Devil’s Keep sees the age-old secrets of Ireland’s whiskey masters re-imagined with the launch of the oldest ever released triple distilled Irish whiskey and the most expensive first release in the history of whiskey.

About the A’ Design Award:

The A’ Design Award and Competition is for designers, innovators and companies that want to highlight themselves to attract the attention of media, publishers and buyers. In a world where there are millions of products and designs launch each year, the award was born out of the desire to underline the best designs and well-designed products. The award-winning products and designs are highlighted to the international public via the A’ Design Award Gala-Night and Exhibition in Italy and they are communicated to all relevant press across the world.

 For 2020 – 2021 there are 211 Jury Members forming the International Design Academy – The Grand A’ Design Award Jury Panel, composed of design professionals, press members and academics.

The full list of winners (Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze) can be found here: https://competition.adesignaward.com/winners.php

Waterford Distillery awarded Best Irish Whiskey and Best Irish Single Malt in World Spirits Competition.

Thursday, 6^th May 2021: Barley forward Terroir-driven producer, Waterford Distillery, has won best in class and five medals at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the industry’s most influential and prestigious global tasting events.

Leading the way was Waterford’s Single Farm Origin: Hook Head, which won not only the “Best Irish Single Malt” title but also picked up the overall award for the “Best Irish Whiskey”.

The Waterford whiskies received high praise from the judging panel, adding to Waterford’s flurry of prestigious industry awards wins this year, firmly establishing the new boy on the block as one of the world’s leading distillers.

Established in 2000, the annual SFWSC event revealed its winners across a range of sectors, judged by some of the most respected and experienced experts in the spirits industry. All entries are judged via controlled blind tasting to determine the best in class amongst some of the world’s most premium spirits.

Waterford collected the following titles:

• BEST IRISH WHISKEY & BEST IRISH SINGLE MALT: Single Farm Origin – Hook Head Edition 1.1.

• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Single Farm Origin – Hook Head: Edition 1.1
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Single Farm Origin – Dunmore: Edition 1.2
• GOLD MEDAL: Single Farm Origin – Dunbell Edition 1.2
• GOLD MEDAL: Organic – Gaia: Edition 1.1
• SILVER MEDAL: Single Farm Origin – Lakefield: Edition 1.1

Mark Reynier, CEO of Waterford Distillery, commented: “We entered five whiskies and came away with seven awards, including “Best Irish Whiskey” of all.  At a mere four years of age, perhaps proof that fancy age statements don’t necessarily equate to quality in the eyes of competition judges. There’s no secret to making Ireland’s best whisky: Ireland’s best barley; fermenting cool and controlled; distilling low and slow; and the finest good wood.

“To win the two main category prizes at the world’s most prestigious competition in our first year is indeed humbling – but imagine how good these whiskies will be with a few more years of maturation.”

Unlike other producers, Waterford Distillery’s focus is on exploring barley grown on the diverse terroirs of the South East of Ireland, and ultimately how these influence the flavours of single malt whisky – as proven in their pioneering academic paper, published in the top peer-review journal Foods earlier this year. The concept, which is commonly practiced among the greatest wine producers, is the principle that factors such as weather, soil, and microclimate influence the flavours of found in barley to create truly authentic flavours of a place.

To show its terroir-driven approach, Waterford Distillery has a unique a digital logistical system to keep track of each farmer’s crop – how it is harvested, stored, malted and distilled separately – guaranteeing the integrity of each Single Farm Origin – this is shown to drinkers on every bottle of whisky via their pioneering TEIREOIR code.

Notes 

About Waterford Distillery 

Influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Distillery obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour to single malt whisky.

Using 100% Irish barley, widely considered to be the world’s finest, its Single Farm Origin series is an uber-provenance range of limited edition natural whiskies that explore Irish terroir one farm, once place, at a time. They are expressions of precision and rarity, showcasing barley flavours derived from individual Irish farms and harvests. The distillery’s ultimate aim is that these component single malts come together to create the world’s most unique, complex and profound whisky.

For more information, visit https://waterfordwhisky.com/