Grace O’Malley Irish Whiskey burst onto the scene a few years ago with their bold imagery re-energising & modernising the Pirate Queen the whiskey is named after.
Being blenders, bonders & independent bottlers, Grace O’Malley can stock barrels from any number of Irish Whiskey Distilleries & use them to create their own unique style.
I still have remnants of their Dark Char & Rum Cask – which you can read about here – but it’s the newly released Rum Cask I’m focusing on today.
Irish Whiskey is experiencing unprecedented growth with new bottles & brands appearing all the time.
One that caught my eye was Sailor’s Home – a Limerick based brand recalling the city’s rich maritime connections.
Welcome home! c/othewhiskeynut
It also led me down memory lane.
Some of my formative years were spent sailing the seven seas crewing ocean going vessels.
Mid Ocean c/othewhiskeynut
The ship was your home for the duration of the voyage – yet it was constantly on a journey – a never ending journey for me – seeking out new whiskeys to explore.
Detail c/othewhiskeynut
Beautifully presented in an attractive bottle with lovely detailed touches. The Journey has been matured in virgin oak, ex-bourbon & the seafarers favourite – rum barrels.
Explorer’s Spirit c/othewhiskeynut
A dark caramel front sweeps over the fresh & engaging first nosing.
Waves of warmth embrace the palate in a silky coating.
Prickly peppery spice, bright vanillas & subtle suggestions of rum funk set a course to the finish leaving a dry yet lip smacking experience.
It’s a journey I’d happily explore again!
I raise a glass of Sailor’s Home to all the seafarers that didn’t return.
In particular those aboard MV Derbyshire – a newer & larger bulk carrier sister ship to the one I happened to be on half way across the Atlantic when news of the tragedy came through.
Starting off as raw grains – barley & corn in this instance – grown in fields. Adding water & yeast, brewing, distilling & maturing. The solid grains are transformed into an aromatic brown alcoholic liquid.
The aromas emanating from Púca Irish Whiskey were particularly attractive.
Reflecting both the raw ingredients – a fresh sweet lightness from the corn – plus the cask influence – a lovely rich rummy nose full of dark caramels from the ex-rum & stout barrels used.
Last one on the shelf! c/othewhiskeynut
The palate is silky smooth with a wholesome mouthfeel. A touch of spice breaking through. The peppery spice slowly grows in strength giving a gorgeously prickly experience to the long lasting finish.
A lively & characterful blend!
There’s another similarity with the elusive púca spirits.
Aldi ad c/oAldi
Despite being available in Aldi for the excellent price of €25 – Púca Irish Whiskey didn’t appear on the date advertised. By the time I was informed they’d arrived – none were left on the shelves!
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 