I usually shy away from picking a release of the year, especially when there has been a bumper crop of new & exciting Irish Whiskeys to choose from, let alone the rest of the world.
But when push comes to shove – there could only be one for me.
It’s not just down to the wonderfully satisfying taste – although that is important – it’s also about the whole package.
The anticipation.
The hunt to find a bottle.
The internet flurry.
And the eventual sampling.
My whiskey release of 2107 is;
Aldi 26 Year Old Irish Reserve.
From the first hints that Aldi were going to release a 26yo Irish Single Malt for 50 euro the internet was awash with incredulation, surprise & speculation as to who was behind it.
The release date arrived & many punters queued up to get a bottle.
https://twitter.com/CooleyGBA/status/930379924443197440
But not all the shops had it in stock!
From Aberdeen to Aberystwyth, Bangor to Ballincollig whiskey fans went on a chase to find their prey. The chat sites lit up with where the whiskey was found. Success stories abounded & commiserations given to failed hunts.
Having previously commentated in a blog entitled ‘Irish Whiskey – Which Way Forward?‘ regarding the Irish Whiskey Industry essentially leaving this area of the marketplace free for Scotch – my question was firmly & positively answered in the affirmative.
Not only that.
When the reviews came in, many rated the Irish offering better than the 29yo Scotch.
To me the Aldi Irish Reserve represents the growing interest in Irish whiskey.
It’s taking Irish Whiskey into new markets.
New ways of releasing whiskey.
And gaining new customers.
It’s malt for the masses.
My only wish is there will be more in the pipeline.
For those that managed to track down a bottle – enjoy.
For those that failed – it’s already being advertised on the secondary market.
Congratulations to all involved in it’s release – whoever you may be.
Sláinte.
My thanks to PoorMan’sWhiskyJournal for the inspiration behind this blog.
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 