Irish whiskey has become one of the hottest spirits in the international market: fast growing and with a discerning following that values quality, the future is bright and the present is exciting. With the number of new distilleries and brands emerging, it’s not a surprise that new expressions are launched with more frequency and by the look of things, this trend is only going to continue over the next few years.
We have compiled a round up of recent launches, so remember these names when you’re thinking about renewing your drink’s cabinet.
J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey
Launched on August 19th, this 43% ABV blend comes from The Chapel Gate Irish Whiskey Company, located in Co. Clare. This company aims to bring back “the lost art of Irish whiskey bonding” and matures and blends rare Irish whiskeys.
They happen to be the only all-female company producing Irish whiskeys at the moment.
More information: chapelgatewhiskey.com
Egan’s Vintage Grain
Egan’s Irish whiskey latest expression launch was announce on August 10th and follows the brand’s first release back in 2015. It’s a single grain whiskey aged for 8 years in ex-Bourbon barrels, non-chill filtered and with an ABV of 46%.
The brand’s history can be traced back to 1852 and it was revived in 2013.
More information: eganswhiskey.com
Slane Castle Triple Casked Irish Whiskey
The much anticipated Slane Irish whiskey was formally launched last May 2017. The spirit is a triple-cask blend bottled at 40% ABV and aged in three varieties of cask: virgin American oak, seasoned bourbon casks and ex-oloroso sherry casks.
Available at the Celtic Whiskey Shop at €33, this No-Age-Statement whiskey offers very good value.
More information: slaneirishwhiskey.com
Sean’s Bar Irish Whiskey
This limited edition spirit was specially blended by West Cork Distillers for Ireland’s oldest pub, Sean’s Bar, in Athlone, C. Westmeath, where it’s available to buy and of course, to order.
It’s a 40% ABV with the complexity one would expect from a good entry level bottle.
More information: seansbar.ie
Teeling Brabazon Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Launched last May, this 49.5% ABV no-age-statement combines malts distilled between 2008 and 2002 and most of its maturing occurred in high quality Sherry casks.
It is a limited release, with only 12,500 bottles on the market. It’s available at the Celtic Whiskey Shop.
More information: teelingwhiskey.com