You never know what you might find at Whiskey Live Dublin.
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I had intended to try some Scotch – but an amadán had decided to vape in the toilets & set off the fire alarms.
No joy there.
I missed out on Japanese too
Beam Suntory’s Toki offering had vanished – but I did try their soon to be released Kilbeggan Single Pot Still with 3% oats in the mix. Creamy & spicy all at the same time. Although I did struggle to fully appreciate what the oats brought to the whiskey in such a brief encounter.
McConnells of Belfast c/othewhiskeynut
The parent company behind Belfast’s McConnell’s release had an interesting trio of American Whiskeys however. Attractively presented & branded as Clyde May’s the Alabama Style Whiskey caught my eye.
What is Alabama Style?
Alabama Style Whiskey c/othewhiskeynut
Turns out something to do with adding dried apples to the barrel. A look online provided a better insight here. I did get a fresh fruitiness on the nose.
Offered at 42.5% this was a decent full bodied whiskey I’d like to enjoy more off.
The Straight Rye also pleased me. A good balance of dry peppery spice with a wholesome body to boot.
Clyde May’s Straight Rye c/othewhiskeynut
Both are sourced from Kentucky – but brand owners Conecuh are building a distillery of their own in Alabama.
This years Whiskey Live Dublin show marked a quantitative shift in the fortunes of Irish Whiskey.
The number of new releases on display for the first time was breathtaking – and a bit of a challenge to appreciate in only one session.
Not only new releases though.
New whiskey companies were also in attendance. Companies previously inhabiting websites with ‘under construction’ on the display page were now in full flow offering tangible products to taste.
My game plan was clear – try as many of them as time – and my well being – permitted.
In no particular order – this is what I found.
21C Edition 2 c/othewhiskeynut
The Celtic Whiskey Shop had again done a marvelous job collating all 16 Irish Whiskey Distilleries with mature stock into this fabulous blend. More flavoursome & complex than last years.
Hinch core range c/othewhiskeynut
I did a Hinch vertical – one of the new companies currently building their distillery. The peated piqued my palate – but the Small Batch pleased too.
Irish Proud Blend c/othewhiskeynut
Another new company – Proud Irish – had 2 offerings of a rather easy entry market style. Perhaps more for the tourists?
Killowen Rum Cask c/othewhiskeynut
Killowen impressed with this Dark Rum Cask Blend. Their new make wasn’t bad either!
A pair of Gelston’s c/othewhiskeynut
The Gelston’s range from Halewood was far too extensive for a vertical tasting so the 5yo Sherry Cask sufficed. Word of a new distillery too!
A Smokey Silkie! c/othewhiskeynut
Yes! The return of smoky dry peat to Irish Whiskey was greatly appreciated.
The Bridge c/othewhiskeynut
As was this sweet yet nuanced single grain single cask first whiskey offering from Lough Ree in Longford.
Lough Gill Trio c/othewhiskeynut
Lough Gill in Sligo displayed their trio of exquisitely aged single malts showing varying finishing styles.
Welcome to the Renaissance! c/othewhiskeynut
Irish Whiskey has moved on from simply revival – the renaissance is here – courtesy of Teeling’s new 18yo offering.
Sade & Bushell 5yo c/othewhiskeynut
Connacht’s new 5yo was a bit too sweet for my palate – but the 12yo version in the background hit the spot.
W.D.O’Connell c/othewhiskeynut
Despite the depth & complexity of the 17yo – the peat of Bill Phil won out on these fabulous whiskeys from W.D.O’Connell.
Celtic Cask 25 c/othewhiskeynut
Staying on a peated path – Celtic Cask 25 didn’t disappoint.
Egan’s Legacy c/othewhiskeynut
The latest 16yo Egan’s Legacy was more of a traditional style.
The Liberator c/othewhiskeynut
While newcomers Wayward Spirits offered their dark & brooding port cask finished Liberator Blend.
McConnells of Belfast c/othewhiskeynut
I was pleased to hear the Crumlin Gaol Distillery is still in the mix with this very well presented blended whisky – minus the ‘e’.
It also marked my final tasting at the show. Although on the train home I did crack open a miniature & sang away to myself!
Pogues Single Malt c/othewhiskeynut
‘I am going, I am going, Where the streams of whiskey are flowing.’
Well the streams of whiskey are certainly flowing from the stills of Irish Whiskey Distilleries!
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 