Irish Whiskey Tasting – March 10th & 11th

Most Irish Whiskey is currently produced at only three distilleries.

Cooley, Midleton in the Republic of Ireland, and Bushmills in Northern Ireland. However, in recent years some small micro-craft distilleries have opened. There are four main types of Irish Whiskey:

1) Pure Pot Still such as Redbreast,

2) Blended Irish Whiskey for example Jameson & Bushmill,

3) Single Malt by Knappogue and Tyrconnell

4) Grain Whiskey.

Bushmill Black Bush

The Old Bushmills Distillery became official in 1784. Hugh Anderson registered the Old Bushmills Distillery and the Pot Still became its registered trade mark. It’s still their mark of genuine distinction today. 1885 Bushmill burns to the ground but is rebuilt. Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey combines a high amount of malt whiskey matured in former Oloroso Sherry casks, with a sweet, batch-distilled grain whiskey. This unique recipe means Black Bush has rich, fruity notes and a deep intense character, balanced by an incredibly unique smoothness. It’s best enjoyed neat, or over ice. Bushmill has always been considered the Irish Whiskey of the Catholics while Jameson is the whiskey of Protestants.

Regular Price $29.99

Cooper’s Price $19.99

Tyrconnell Whiskies

In the Northwest of Ireland lies an ancient Gaelic kingdom called Tyrconnell when translated from Gaelic means “The Land of O’Donnell”. The O’Donnell’s were one of the most powerful Gaelic noble families right up to colonization and reined the ancient kingdom, which is now County Donegal, until 1701. The territory is famous for its distilling tradition. One of the oldest distilleries in the region established in 1762 by the Watt family and is reputed to be the first distillery in the world to install a patent still was Andrew A. Watt Distillery. The Watt’s flagship brand was the world famous “The Tyrconnell” Pure Pot Still Single Malt Irish Whiskey. Tyrconnell is distilled by the award winning Cooley distillery who have been the driving force behind the Irish Single Malt evolution.

So what’s up with the race horse on the label? In 1876 the Watt family entered a horse, a Chestnut Colt, appropriately named “The Tyrconnell” in the Irish Classic horse race “The National Produce Stakes”. Incredibly it won at 100 to 1. This spectacular achievement inspired the Watt Distillery to celebrate the occasion with a special commemorative Tyrconnell label, which remains to this day.

Regular Price $45.99

Cooper’s Price $39.99

Redbreast 12 year 100% Pot Still Redbreast

Made by Irish Distillers Ltd. (IDL) at the “New” Midleton distillery. Irish single pot still whiskey is similar in ethos to single-malt whisky. While the mash bill contains both unmalted and malted barley (usually in a ratio of 60 to 40), unlike single malt, the combination of both is distilled in traditional copper pot stills, which introduce a lot of character into the spirit. What comes about is a whiskey with more weight and viscosity. This whiskey is finished in sherry butt casks.

Keep in mind, when you see an “age statement” like 12 years on a bottle of whiskey that is the youngest aged whiskey in the blend. For example, if the Master Blender/Master Distiller is not getting what he wants out his 12 year old barrels, he will begin tasting and blending older whiskies to reach the final blend!

Regular Price $69.99

Cooper’s Price $59.99

Midleton Very Rare 2015

This is Ireland’s most exclusive whiskey. Small quantities of the finest distillates are carefully aged to perfection in individually-chosen oak casks. . A limited release, only 50 casks of Midleton are released every year, it really is very rare! The Very Rare series has been enjoyed by Irish whiskey lovers worldwide since 1984! Every whisky in the blend is triple distilled and between 12 and 25 years of age.

This is the 2015 release of Midleton’s excellent Very Rare series, which has enjoyed its maturation exclusively in American oak barrels. As with the 2014 edition, this bottling bares the signature of Brian Nation, who took over the Master Distiller role from the legendary Barry Crockett. The Whiskey has a fine scented nose and the taste is of almonds, lush fruits, honey, and herbal spice. The finish is velvety smooooooth and long. Supply is very limited and we only taste one bottle of this incredible whiskey. Should we sell out like last year, don’t worry as we will collect your preorders like we did last year.

Sale Price $149.98