I’ve encountered beer battered onion rings & Guinness stew before – but never Craft Cider Battered Haddock.
Always happy to try out something new this Donegal Catch & Armagh Cider collaboration made my plate.
The batter was noticeably on the lighter & slightly sweeter side.
‘Orchard like’ in reference to fish is a bit of a stretch – but it did make for a very tasty experience.
I think I’d have these again!
An innovative pairing from Donegal Catch & Armagh Cider.
Sláinte
Distilled in a renovated cottage using direct fired copper pot stills is Baoilleach Distillery‘s Mulroy Bay Poitín.
The hills of Donegal have long been associated with Poitín making & this bijou distillery is – legally – bringing that tradition alive.
When COVID restrictions allowed I made a trip up to Donegal & bagged myself some of this fine spirit.
Using a mixed mash bill of malted barley & potatoes, Mulroy Bay Poitín has unique characteristics – as well as a potent strength of 47%.
There’s an earthy new make kind of nose. A bit of depth, a hint of umami & an added dash of sweetness.
Very smooth & oily on the palate – to begin with – as a prickly heat slowly builds & dries out the mouth,
The finish ebbs away with a gently fading tingling sensation.
‘Hand Crafted In Small Batches’ implies there could be slight variations between each mash – but I’d be very happy to sample every one as it came off the still!
The taste of Donegal.
Sláinte
Virtually every UK supermarket has their own brand range of spirits.
Commonly referred to as ‘bottom shelf’ – I’d uncovered a few delightful diamonds in this category & I’m always happy to hunt for more.
Returning from a short trip to Donegal the Asda in Strabane beckoned me.
Their own brand whisky had sold out – is that a sign of quality? – so I pivoted to rum.
‘Superior Quality Blend, Fine Dark Navy Rum, Sourced From The Caribbean’ is the full title, came in a plastic bottle.
Is this a thing now & would it put you off?
At less than £6 for a half bottle – it didn’t deter me.
Could Asda deliver the goods?
Sadly not!
Possessing that burnt rubber aroma – previously encountered before – didn’t win me over.
The palate was a little better. Soft, smooth, good mouthfeel & a slight prickly spice on the finish – but that heavy treacly note persisted.
If it floats your boat – fine – but it just sank mine.
Not my cup of tea!
Sláinte
Peat smoke.
It’s in fierce short supply as a flavour profile in Irish Whiskey.
Connemara flew the flag for many a year.
West Cork’s Peat Charred Cask used Irish Turf to flavour their barrels.
And lately WD O’Connell’s Bill Phil landed a smokey smacker.
But they’re all Single Malts.
The big selling smokey blend market was effectively abandoned.
Inishowen did a gorgeous soft smoker from a few years ago.
Three Crowns Peated uses Islay casks to great results.
But actual peat dried barley in an Irish Blended Whiskey was hard got.
Step forward The Legendary Dark Silkie Smokey!
I took it for a whirl!
That distinctive coastal peat aroma greeted me.
Smooth easy & sweet on the palate.
A softly glowing peat fire grew in intensity – slowly drying out – adding a few prickly spices along the way – before leaving in a blaze of glory.
Dark Silkie is not for the faint hearted.
This is full on unapologetic smoke for the peatheads out there.
Fantastic!
Sláinte
Silkie
a) A mythological creature of many coastal communities along the Atlantic seaboard of Europe. Said to live as seals offshore but shed their skin and appear as humans on land – usually female.
b) A pretty tasty entry blend from the Sliabh Liag Distillery in Donegal who are currently planning & building a distillery in the beautiful countryside near the famous sea cliffs of the same name on the magnificent Wild Atlantic Way.
or
c) The subject matter of a lovely film by Neil Jordan starring Colin Farrell as a fisherman who lands a silkie in his nets – or is she?
Choose one of the above.
Choose a combination of all three.
Not me.
I choose to believe in silkies.
I choose to relax and enjoy the smooth taste of Silkie whilst watching a modern interpretation of the silkie story set in stunning scenery.
Sssssláinte.
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