Brexit is more of an aspirational idea rather than a clearly thought out plan for Britain to leave the European Union.
No one knows what the future will be like in this new Europe – with or without the UK.
Meanwhile in Austria – Gölles Distillery had a clearly thought out plan.
They grew and harvested 5 types of grain in fields around their distillery. Barley, wheat, rye, corn and spelt.
They double distilled the mash in copper pot stills which they have been using since the 1980’s.
And they matured the spirit in a variety of casks for 4 to 13 years.
They brought their plan to fruition and delivered.
I give you Brexit Whiskey.
They make no bones this isn’t a copycat Scottish style of single malt.
They make a big play of the differences. This is a European whiskey. Scottish Whisky Association rules do not apply here.
This whiskey has provenance & terroir in abundance. There is no chill filtration and no added caramel. Something sadly lacking in many big brands.
So what does it taste like?
Well – Austria really.
It’s very earthy. There is a complex mix of aromas from the grains used – but for me a soft rye spice rises from the sweet corn & wheat base to entice me in.
A barley smoothness greats you on tasting – where again that dry rye presence makes itself known. Quite what the spelt adds to the mix I don’t know – I’ve never encountered it before in a whiskey – but there is an earthy almost grounded quality to the taste.
A lot of time can be spent musing over the nose, taste & finish of this delightfully complex whiskey trying to figure out which grains adds their own distinctive notes to the final mix.
Kind of sums up what the European Union project was all about. Trying to harmonise together variety & difference in an enjoyable mix.
That’s an admirable idea which certainly has been captured in this bottle of Brexit Whiskey.
Some people might see Britain’s Brexit as a rejection of the European Union – they in turn might also reject Scottish Whisky.
If Brexit Whiskey is anything to go by – I’ll be saying Goodbye Johnny!
Sláinte.
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 