Wayward Irish Spirits, founded by Maurice O’Connell, is based on the shores of Lough Leane in Killarney. They have just released a mere 300 bottles of Lakeview single pot still whiskey, their first “estate” whiskey, made from barley grown on the farm. It was aged first in ex-Bourbon casks for three months and then for almost four years in ex-Premier Cru Bordeaux barrels with 10 per cent finished in ex-peated casks for three months.
Dingle Distillery released Samhain, a limited edition single malt whiskey earlier this month. Ten thousand bottles will be produced. This is the first in the Wheel of the Year releases, a series of eight whiskeys each symbolising a period in the ancient Celtic calendar.
Teeling has launched the first in a series of single malt whiskies called The Rising Reserve. Limited to 6,000 bottles, Series 1 has been matured in Bourbon casks and finished in ex-Carcavelos barrels. Carcavelos is a very rare historic fortified white wine produced in Portugal.
Other new releases include the Method & Madness Oat and Malt (€95). If you shop around, you might be able to find one of the remaining bottles of the delicious Jameson Single Pot Still (€60), released in October.
Redbreast Birdcage 12-year-old single pot still
40%, €71-75
Full-on aromas, spice, dried Christmas cake fruits and nuts with real length.
From: Travel retail and specialist off-licences.
Samhain by Dingle Whiskey
Dingle Samhain Single Malt
50%, €85
Lifted fresh, floral, zesty aromas; powerful with red fruits and subtle spice and excellent length.
From: specialist off-licences.
Lakeview Single Estate Whiskey
Lakeview Single Estate Single Pot Still ‘Coming of Age’
46%, €195 (including a miniature bottle)
Red fruit aromas, voluptuous smooth honey, red cherries and toast. A special whiskey.
From: Celtic Whiskey Dublin, James Fox Dublin, Carry Out Killarney and Irish Malts.
