A toast to Christmas!
Whether it be craft beers, ciders, wines or spirits, Irish consumers nowadays are spoilt for choice when it comes to innovative and flavoursome offerings. Ensure you don’t disappoint, by reading up on the latest news from the following in-demand brands, writes Gillian Hamill
Print3 December 2021
Tis the season to be jolly, when your customers will of course be keen to catch up with friends and family, and as such, a well-stocked drinks cabinet – or on-trend drinks cart – will be a seasonal essential.
A recent report by Drinks Ireland|Spirits highlighted some of the key shopper trends which will impact upon your off-trade sales this Christmas. Domestically, the report showed, as one would expect, that the closure of hospitality venues had a negative impact on the sector, particularly for brands that rely heavily on the on-trade. Overall, sales fell by 4.8%, from 2.42 million 9-litre cases in 2019 to 2.3 9-litre million cases in 2020.
Nevertheless, according to Drinks Ireland|Spirits’ report, some spirits categories benefited from the consumer shift to the off-trade in Ireland, with Irish cream liqueur sales growing by 26.5%.
“Many of us will have seen the multitude of new ‘ready to drink’ (RTD) products hit the shelves over the course of 2020,” Drinks Ireland|Spirits continued. “These include spirits based RTDs and hard seltzers. As a category, hard seltzers did not exist in Ireland in 2019, but in 2020 nearly 90 thousand cases of various brands were sold.”
Meanwhile, although sales of vodka declined by 10.2% last year, it remained Ireland’s most popular spirits drink, with a 31.6% market share in the category, Ireland|Spirits reported. This was followed by Irish whiskey (26.3% market share), gin/Irish gin (14.04%), and rum (7.4%).
While sales of gin in Ireland fell by 6.6% between 2019 and 2020, it has seen remarkable growth in recent years, the report continued, with gin sales up by 184% between 2014 and 2019. Forecasts for the next five-year period suggest that the growth in gin and Irish gin has not ended and that the decline in 2020 will be seen as a Covid-19 related blip.
Bryan Fallon, managing director of Heaven Hill Ireland, brand owner of Carolan’s Irish Cream Liqueur and Irish Mist Honey Liqueur, and chair of Drinks Ireland|Spirits, summed up the impressive performance of spirits, noting: “The resilience shown by the spirits sector last year in the face of the loss of one of the main consumer channels was remarkable, with producers responding with an increased emphasis on the off-trade and a focus on ecommerce.”
Earlier this year, Drinks Ireland|Wine likewise reported some interesting insights on wine sales and consumer trends within the wine sector. It’s estimated that one in four bottles of wine sold in Ireland is from Chile, according to the Drinks Ireland|Wine 2020 Market Report. The report also showed that wine comfortably remains the nation’s second favourite alcohol beverage after beer. In fact, 2020 saw a five-point increase in wine’s market share to 32.2%.
The Covid-19 pandemic saw changing purchasing trends and overall alcohol sales fall by 6.6% in 2020. However, generally about 80% of wine purchased in Ireland is in the retail sector. Due to the rolling lockdowns of the hospitality sector, an estimated 95% of wine sales were from the retail sector in 2020.
Overall, wine sales in 2020 rose by 12% to over 10 million cases. According to industry estimates, the popularity of rosé continues to grow. It had an estimated 7% share of the wine market last year, which is double its share in 2016. White wine is Ireland’s favourite, with a share of 48%, followed by red wine at 45%.
While Chilean wine remains the nation’s favourite for the seventh year in a row, Spanish wine continues to grow in popularity with a 15.4% share of the total wine market in 2020, just ahead of Australia’s 13.8%. French and Italian wines are the 4th and 5th most popular wines respectively.
Quality, character and consistency
Wolf Blass was established in the Barossa Valley in 1966 and has grown from a humble tin shed to become one of the world’s most successful and awarded wine brands. A recipient of more than 10,000 medals and trophies at national and international wine shows, the essence of Wolf Blass wines is exemplified through the passion of its custodians past and present as the winemaker continuously strives to produce wines of quality, character, and consistency.
The heartland of Wolf Blass winemaking, Yellow Label has delivered exceptional quality for over 50 years and epitomises the philosophy to always create wines of quality, character and consistency. An outstanding range selected from the finest South Australian regions, Yellow Label wines are bright, fruit-driven and full of flavour, pairing perfectly with food to help make any meal an occasion.
Wolf Blass Yellow Label gives consumers the opportunity to win the trip of a lifetime during November & December. Secret Escapes have teamed up with award-winning winemakers Wolf Blass, to offer consumers the chance to win a bucket-list trip to Kenya. From luxury digs to unforgettable experiences, don’t settle for anything less than extraordinary; take to the skies and head for the perfect safari escape. A host of prizes to be won, including four Secret Escapes vouchers to craft your perfect escape. For more information visit www.wolfblass.com.
Certified B-Corp company
The Cono Sur vineyard has been certified B-Corp, reflecting the winemaker’s purpose to understand sustainability in a comprehensive way and show concrete actions in all areas of the company’s activity; across governance, workers, environment, community and customers. The B-Corp Certification helps consumers to identify companies with high social and environmental responsibility.
Since its foundation in 1993, Cono Sur established sustainability, quality and innovation as its fundamental pillars for the production of quality grapes and wines. By achieving B-Corp certification, Cono Sur intends to show concrete and quantifiable measures of its progress, committing the group to constant improvements in both social and environmental fields.
Based on an independent evaluation, Cono Sur has been certified B-Corp because it has been proven to comply through its certifications, policies and integrated management system, with the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal responsibility, to balance the benefit and a positive purpose for the community in which it operates.
B-Corp companies adhere to a global cultural shift that redefines business success towards a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Thus, they take advantage of the capacity of the business and its growth as a means to a greater goal, which is to generate a triple positive impact: for their employees, for their communities and for the environment.
For more information, visit www.conosur.com.
Gold award-winning flavour
Celebrations are in order for the team at Clonakilty Distillery as it was recently announced that its Minke Irish Vodka scooped the Gold Award in the Smooth category at The Spirits Business Vodka Masters 2021.
The vodka debut for the popular Cork distillery was launched just months ago and was commended by judges for having a smooth taste, “with a nice creaminess and a good balance” and was also noted by the panel for being “soft with a touch of peppery spice notes”.
Clonakilty Distillery utilises its beautiful natural surroundings to create the perfect environment for a maritime distillery – prime land, pristine water and salt sea air.
The distillery boasts a reputation as one of Ireland’s best producers of award-winning whiskeys and gins, and the team has expressed its delight at receiving this most recent prestigious accolade, describing it as the “first of many” for the latest addition to the distillery’s growing family of premium spirits.
“As the newest member to Clonakilty Distillery’s portfolio of award-winning spirits, we are absolutely delighted to see Minke Irish Vodka being recognised for its superb quality and signature smoothness,” said Adam Collins, marketing manager at Clonakilty Distillery,
“We pride ourselves on being a producer of premium Irish spirits, and to be acknowledged in such a competitive category is very rewarding and is a credit to the entire team here at the distillery,” he added.
Paul Corbett, head distiller and blender at Clonakilty Distillery also revealed the secrets of success to creating Minke Vodka’s unique and award-winning taste.
“We slow distil a whey-based spirit in our own pot still, through a 10-meter copper coil before it reaches our condenser,” he said. “This added reflux from the coil creates an incredibly pure and clean spirit, while the whey base alcohol delivers a rich and smooth velvety mouthfeel.”
“Unlike most Irish vodkas, which are distilled using a grain-based alcohol, Clonakilty Distillery’s Minke Vodka uses a whey-base spirit, derived from milk which is produced on the ninth-generation family farm located a short distance from the distillery itself,” Corbett continued.
“Using whey alcohol as the base spirit delivers a velvety mouthfeel which coats the palate.”
Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business magazine and chair of The Global Spirits Masters paid tribute to the standard of entrants in the vodka category for 2021.
“The standard entered this year was exceptional,” she said. “From nuanced, classic styles, to authentic, well-made flavoured expressions, the vodka category is proving it is packed with quality expressions, diversity of flavour and exceptional value for money.”
Clonakilty Distillery’s Minke Vodka (usual RRP €34) is currently also available to purchase in Supervalu stores as well as on the distillery’s online shop
To keep up to date with all things Clonakilty Distillery, check out Clonakilty Distillery on Twitter @clondistillery, on Facebook @clonakiltydistillery and on Instagram @clonakiltydistillery For more information, visit clonakiltydistillery.ie/.
Vibrant, flavoursome and approachable
Yellow Tail believes in a simple philosophy – to make great wines for everyone to enjoy. The company’s wines are vibrant, flavoursome and approachable, making everyday moments more enjoyable. When it comes to wine, Yellow Tail likes to make its own rules – the only thing the group is really serious about is the quality, which is what has made us the number five brand in the Irish market for the second year running and the most powerful wine brand in the world.
This Christmas, there are three key varietals you need in your range to ensure you meet your customer’s needs.
Firstly, the Yellow Tail Malbec is rich and velvety, with notes of ripe berries, dark chocolate, and a hint of spice, perfect with a steak on winter nights and with Malbec being the fastest growing red varietal in the Irish market it’s a stocking essential. Meanwhile, the Yellow Tail Chardonnay is packed full of fresh peach and lemon flavours, finished with a subtle hint of vanilla is the perfect accompaniment to Turkey this Christmas Day. Lastly, the Yellow Tail Shiraz is rich and smooth, with juicy red berries and hints of liquorice and spice and is made to be enjoyed with friends this holiday season.
Tradition with a unique twist
This year marked a significant milestone in the seven-year journey of the Connacht Distillery, as it released the first core expression of whiskey to be distilled at its own facility in Ballina, and the first whiskey to be distilled in Mayo in over 150 years. In doing so, the distillery has become one of the few in Ireland to release a Single Malt product which was distilled, matured and bottled entirely at its own facility.
Well-known in the industry for his innovative approach to making spirits, master distiller Robert Cassell says: “What we’re trying to do in Irish whiskey is bring innovation that is both forward looking and a nod to the past, whether it’s different cask finishes or mash bills, the idea is to take a traditional element and put our own unique spin on it.”
Batch 1 of this four year old Single Malt is crafted by the Atlantic using 100% malted Irish barley, double distilled in bespoke copper pot stills designed and produced in Canada to Cassell’s particular specifications, then aged in ex-bourbon casks and finished in ex-Oloroso sherry casks. With first aromas of raisin, a honey sweetness and hints of almond and star anise, it has a palate of vanilla, spices, dried fruit and malt, with a warming, full bodied finish.
Now available in premium whiskey retailers nationwide. For more information, visit www.connachtwhiskey.com.
Hitting all the right notes
One of the UK’s most successful songwriters and record producers, Gary Barlow has now launched Gary Barlow Organic, his own range of organic wines in partnership with Benchmark Drinks.
Carefully crafted and developed by Barlow to reflect his passion for quality, authentic wine, the wines are now available on www.WinesOfTheWorld.ie and in selected Carry Out Stores.
Pursuing a long-held dream to develop his own wine range, Gary Barlow has spent the past two years collaborating with London-based distributor Benchmark Drinks to create a well-balanced, sophisticated and sustainable wine range. Unique packaging features a stylish piano key design, an instantly recognisable nod to his incredible 30-year music career.
The medium-bodied red and refreshing, zesty white are the result of many months of wine development. Following hours of tasting wines from across the world, Barlow’s standout blends originated from Spain’s Castilla region.
The wines have been produced by Peninsula Wines in Spain. Founded by Andreas Kubach and Sam Harrop, they’re both masters of wine and renowned for their sustainability and “sympathetic winemaking”, embracing both nature and science to make wine with as little intervention as possible.
The Gary Barlow Organic Red is a juicy, unoaked wine, displaying aromas of red wild berries with a touch of rosemary and chocolate. The medium body and beautiful balance between the good fruit concentration, fresh acidity and fine tannins, make it a highly versatile food wine to match tapas, pasta and a wide range of savoury and meat dishes.
The Gary Barlow Organic White is pale bright in colour, displaying aromas of lime and pear cut by a gentle note of anise. It shows a zesty, lingering lime palate. A refreshing wine, perfect to be drunk in summer with salads, poultry and light seafood dishes.
Paul Schaafsma, MD of Benchmark Drinks, said it was “a privilege to partner with Gary Barlow and help bring his dream alive, to launch his own range of organic wines”.
Established in 2018, the London-based distributor and brand developer Benchmark Drinks led by Schaafsma, already manages a premium portfolio of award-winning global brands from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Spain and France.
To join the Gary Barlow Wines community, visit @garybarlowwines on Instagram.
Gary Barlow Wines are distributed in Ireland by Barry & Fitzwilliam. For information, contact kate.barry@bandf.ie or call 021 4320900.
The Properly Improper Gin
Brockmans, with its dark berries and noble traditions, is unlike any gin you’ve tasted before or are likely to ever taste again, but does that make us improper? Hardly.
Pick up the bottle, hold in your hands, dark, mysterious, and inviting. Pour it slowly, enticingly pure, over ice. Raise your glass, allow it to touch your lips, and there it is… traditional juniper countered by decidedly untraditional tones of blueberries, blackberries, citrus, and coriander… and just like that you are off on a journey past the usual into the unexpected. And if that is improper, we respectfully ask, who would ever want to be proper?
Mulled cider magic
Following on from an already exciting year for Bulmers which saw the launch of a refreshed brand idea, ‘When Time Bears Fruit’, and also a year which saw the return to TV with the exciting TVC ‘The Alchemy of The Orchard’, Bulmers is running a burst of through-the-line Christmas activity.
As part of a wider 360⸰ campaign which will feature TV, OOH, social and in-store activity, Bulmers is teaming up with chef John Relihan to develop a seasonally relevant partnership which focuses on mulled cider and Christmas ham. The mulled cider is an exciting new way to enjoy Bulmers outside the more conventional over ice serve which we are more used to seeing.
Working closely with John Relihan, a unique recipe was developed which will be highlighted in- store at the point of purchase so consumers can enjoy it at home. Additionally, Bulmers has collaborated further with John Relihan in developing a simple and yet highly delicious way to cook the Christmas ham with a recipe revolving around the use of Bulmers Original Cider. Alternatively, a similar result can be achieved with Bulmers Light which contains 30% less calories.
Back and better than ever
In great news for beer fans the length and breadth of the country, Richmond Marketing is proud to announce that Grolsch is back.
The favourite Dutch beer with the iconic swing-top bottle returns to the market with new-look premium packaging. Grolsch boasts a refreshing depth of flavour from its unique double brewing process, all at 4% ABV.
Specially crafted by the brew-masters at its historic home in Enschede, the Netherlands, Grolsch Premium Pilsner draws upon generations of Dutch brewing mastery, to expertly craft the taste through its ‘double-brew’ process – a double-decoction mash, using two hop varieties for bitterness and aroma, blended with two types of Dutch malt, and Enschede’s original Dutch spring water source.
Since its inception in 1615, Grolsch has had an ethos of going against the grain and doing things its own way, sticking to its core values and commitment to substance. Its enduring character makes it distinctive and highly recognisable as a global brand worldwide.
Grolsch Premium Pilsner is stocked in Tesco stores nationwide and selected bars throughout Ireland.
Tasting notes
Colour: Medium golden
Taste: A crisp, malty pilsner with depth of flavour that appeals to a developed palate
Aroma: A naturally green hop aroma
For more information, visit www.instagram.com/grolsch_global/ #Grolsch #doublebrewed #wearegrolsch.
Driving sales
Viña Santa Rita is one of Chile’s oldest and most respected wineries and the 120 range continues to be one of the top selling wine brands in the off-trade in Ireland. The addition of Shiraz and Pinot Grigio to the varietal range has helped the brand’s growth in terms of its performance in the last year with Pinot Grigio now the third biggest selling grape variety on the Irish market. The addition of this variety to the 120 Santa Rita portfolio has been important factor in terms of driving volume sales.
Sustainability at Santa Rita Estates is always top of the agenda in every part of the winemaking process from the vineyard to the glass and it has a fully integrated environmental and commercial sustainability programme in place. 2020-21 were difficult years on a global scale, but throughout Santa Rita has looked after our employees in Chile, providing them with a medical centre for advice, hardship funds for those in need along with educational scholarships for their immediate families.
The company decided during the pandemic not to lay off or furlough a single member of staff, so alternative employment was found within the company for all those involved in the frontline hospitality sector of the winery operations. Although sustainability may start in the vineyard, the all-encompassing approach will ensure we have still has a viable business for the immediate and long term future.
Barrelcharring benefits
Hot on the heels of its recent ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ trophy at the 2021 International Spirits Challenge, Jameson is launching a 50% ABV, or 100-proof**, limited edition of its triple-distilled Black Barrel whiskey – great to gift (and even better to keep) this Christmas.
Jameson Black Barrel Proof is made from pot still and grain whiskey matured in a combination of American oak, sherry casks and double charred ex-bourbon barrels to give an even deeper flavour experience. Uniquely, this expression will be bottled at 50% ABV and without chill filtration. The result is a rich, smooth expression that showcases the benefit that the tradition of barrelcharring can add to the world’s favourite Irish whiskey***.
“Jameson Black Barrel is a triple distilled blend of our small batch grain and traditional single pot still Irish whiskey and boasts a robust spiciness, with flavours of butterscotch and fudge,” explains Irish Distillers’ master distiller Kevin O’Gorman.
“Paying tribute to the cooper’s skill, maturing a portion of our whiskey in double charred barrels brings out sweet and spicy characteristics in abundance as it penetrates deeper into the charred oak,” he adds.
“Like every family, Jameson is made up of individual characters with their own distinct personalities. Bottling Jameson Black Barrel at a higher strength is a great way to accentuate the already beloved characteristics of this unique whiskey to create a totally new experience for whiskey enthusiasts.
“So, if a full-strength whiskey that’s bursting with aromas of toffee and fudge, complemented by a spicy character and a rich vanilla finish, sounds like it’s for you – or maybe even for someone you know – then you’ll find that Black Barrel Proof is a great addition to the Jameson family this Christmas. Slainte!”
Set to appeal to whiskey fans seeking to explore a more intense flavour experience this Christmas, the limited-edition release of Jameson Black Barrel Proof will be available online at JamesonWhiskey.com and via select outlets in Ireland and at Dublin Airport from early November at RRP of €60.
Tasting notes by master distiller Kevin O’Gorman:
Nose: Butterscotch sweetness and creamy, toffee, fudge aroma.
Taste: Rich smooth taste with a deep intensity and dialled up spicy notes, complemented by vanilla sweetness.
Finish: Smooth and rich finish with a hint of vanilla lingering on the palate.
*(Source: Best Irish Whiskey trophy at International Spirits Challenge 2021, Double Gold Medal from San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021, Gold Outstanding and 98 points from International Wine and Spirits Competition 2021)
**(Proof is twice the measure of alcohol content by volume. For example, a whiskey with 50% alcohol is a 100-proof whiskey)
***(Source: Jameson is the world’s bestselling (IWSR 2020) and most awarded Irish whiskey based on the tasting results of the six most influential tasting competitions over the past ten years (2011-2021), including The Irish Whiskey Masters, IWSC, ISC, Beverage Testing Institute, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Ultimate Spirits Challenge)
Complexity and depth of flavour
Roe & Co Irish Whiskey recently announced the launch of its latest innovation, Roe & Co Cask Strength 2021 Edition. The latest release from the team at Roe & Co, this 13-year-old Single Grain whiskey is finished in Alligator Char New Oak and is the third release in Roe & Co’s Cask Strength series, a series which reveals the DNA of blended Irish whiskey.
Opting for Single Grain for this edition, Roe & Co. is able to deconstruct the story of blended whiskey. When the team at Roe & Co bottled the core 106-blend for 2019, a masterful blend of rich malt whiskey and the smoothest of grain whiskey aged in bourbon casks, it was a natural fit to release a deliciously unique Single Malt in 2020. Now followed by this special release, Cask Strength 2021, the company can truly celebrate backbone and makeup of the original Roe & Co 106 blend.
The grain in Roe & Co’s Cask Strength 2021 is matured for 13 years and has been specifically chosen to finish in unique casks to heighten and develop the flavours that already exist in grain whiskey.
The Alligator Char New Oak casks used have been heat treated to such an extent that the wood resembles the texture and graphic of that similar to the skin of an alligator. This charring treatment has been applied to New Oak, drawing all the caramelisation and texture to the surface area of the Oak wood, which then goes on to influence the character of the spirit laid in the casks. This results in a complexity and depth of flavour, bringing notes of smoky vanilla pods, wood spice and toffee sweetness to the nose, layered with Jamaican gingerbread and panna cotta, finished with notable hints of white pepper. Roe & Co Cask Strength 2021 is laden with ripe fruits and banana, calling back to the DNA of the 106 blend.
Roe & Co Cask Strength 2021 is the perfect gift to give this festive season.
Lora Hemy, head distiller at Roe & Co Irish Whiskey said: “What makes Cask Strength so interesting is the raw DNA of the whiskey. When you taste this blend, it is as if you’re sampling it straight from the cask. Undiluted, so you can add as much or as little water of your own to find your flavour preference and taste. With the 2021 Cask Strength edition, we’ve chosen to finish this Irish grain in a particularly interesting and unique cask. The grain is well matured and been specifically chosen to finish in these casks to heighten and develop the flavours that already exist in grain whiskey. We’re excited to be releasing this latest innovation, on the lead up to the festive season.”
George Harper, master blender for Roe & Co added: “When developing Cask Strength 2021, we wanted to shine a light on the true DNA of the original Roe & Co 106 blend with the Single Grain component, allowing us to explore the tasting notes associated with our current inventory. Different malts and grains all bring their own unique flavour characteristics, as such each have their own positives and make up important building blocks to a blend. The carefully selected Single Grain casks we use are picked for their exceptional flavour and style. With this release we want to highlight and showcase the Grain and the backbone in our 106 blend.”
Roe & Co Cask Strength 2021 is perfect served neat, over ice, or in Roe & Co’s exciting reinvention of a classic Bobby Burns cocktail and joins a line of innovations from the brand since its inception in 2017, including the recently launched Roe & Co Japanese Sugi.
Roe & Co Cask Strength 2021 is now available. Priced at €74 per bottle, Roe & Co Cask Strength will be available for shipment across ROI and NI through the following link: shop.roeandcowhiskey.com/products/roe-co-cask-strength-2021.
This newest innovation was recently awarded Gold in DB & SB Autumn Tasting 2021.
Enjoy Roe & Co Sensibly. Visit www.drinkaware.ie
Shopper Intelligence: Promotions are extremely effective triggers
A short category snapshot from Shopper Intelligence shows opportunities for alcohol (beer, wine and spirits) brands during the seasonal shopping period. Shopper data reveal that when buying alcoholic drinks for Christmas, promotions are extremely effective triggers: 40% of items are only purchased because it was on promotion. Shoppers also browse more during this period, which gives brands more opportunities to get attention. Read more about the topic in the following infographic:
Synonymous with creativity
Writers’ Tears Irish whiskey is a brand synonymous with creativity. In the last 12 months it has found its way into the hands of renowned Canadian author Margaret Atwood (creator of The Handmaid’s Tale); chart-topping and multi-platinum-selling Irish Pop Rock Band, Picture This; American screenwriters/producers, Misha Green and JJ Abrams, along with actor Stanley Tucci, to name but a few. The unique appeal of the brand name is matched only by the incredible liquid – a marriage of aged Single Pot Still and Single Malt whiskey. The term ‘Copper Pot’ on the label is an honour to the age-old craft of whiskey production in Ireland. Each bottle of Writers’ Tears has gracefully passed through the copper pots to become the remarkable high-quality craft product that is enjoyed today.
Writers’ Tears Copper Pot is triple-distilled, non-peated and matured and aged in American oak bourbon casks. This whiskey is gently spiced with a burst of ginger and butterscotch alongside flashes of apple and vanilla over background notes of toasted oak. Writers’ Tears Copper Pot can be enjoyed neat, with a splash of water or mixed into your favourite whiskey cocktail.
The Writers’ Tears Copper Pot whiskey range includes three fantastic gift options – single bottle whiskey in a stylish presentation pack; a hipflask pack, complete with a special branded hipflask with window to see when you might need to replenish; and a mini book, with a secret compartment containing three miniatures (50ml) of different expressions from the range.
Uncork the unique
Lambay Irish Whiskey offers a portfolio of Irish whiskeys known for their unique cognac-cask finish whiskey in the Irish whiskey category. Focused on craft and the art of blending through the expertise and partnership of Cognac House Camus, Lambay Whiskey Small Batch Blend and Lambay Malt Irish continue to drive the cocktail strategy for the brand to bartenders and home drinkers alike.
A whiskey with a close relationship to the sea and maritime winds, owes its unique story to Lambay island: A private island 3km off the coast of Dublin, where wallabies roam and birdlife are abundant, a castle steeped in family heritage, and a volcanic spring called Trinity Well.
Both whiskeys harmonise for cocktails and in a collaborative spirit have partnered with Beara Bitters and Bar & Restaurant – 33South Main , Naas Co. Kildare – to develop and create bespoke signature cocktails for the winter season ahead.
“This winter, we have collaborated with craft Irish brand Beara Bitters to create taste-forward craft premium cocktail,” said Sabine Sheehan, global brand ambassador, Lambay Whiskey. “We have worked with bartenders (Cian Somers & Brendan “Paddy” Hughes) from bar 33 SouthMain Naas, Kildare to design bespoke cocktails that push the flavour profiles to the optimum for Lambay Whiskey.
“Deconstructing the classics such as Espresso Martini and Whiskey Sour, our seasonal twists make for delicious cocktails,” she added.
Elemental expression
The eagerly anticipated new addition to the ‘Five Elements’ series is a limited edition 20-year-old single malt Fercullen from Powerscourt Distillery.
Following the glowing reception and success of the 2020 release of the first Five Elements 18YO malt, master distiller Noel Sweeney has unveiled his latest expression of the Five Elements series, limited to just 1,500 bottles.
This 20-year-old Single Malt whiskey is a marriage of five different cask styles, expertly combined by Noel Sweeney to form a genuinely complex and distinctive whiskey. Noel’s legendary experience has been applied to ensure that different proportions of each style lend balance and expression to each of the Five Elements within this 20YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey.
The Five Elements include:
- A single distillery source.
- Two types of oak maturation; American White Oak and European Oak.
- Four different finishing casks; Oloroso Sherry, Pedro Ximenez, Marsala and Muscatel.
- Five styles; Oloroso Sherry, Pedro Ximenez, Marsala, Muscatel and Bourbon casks.
- The globally recognised touch and blending expertise of Master Distiller Noel Sweeney.
Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filled, Fercullen Five Elements 20-year-old Limited Edition will be available online at www.PowerscourtDistillery.com at selected off-licences around the country.
The RRP for this edition is €220.
For trade enquiries, contact Trade@powerscourtdistillery.com.
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