As we approach the festive celebrations of St Patrick’s Day, it’s worth checking out some of the recent and new Irish whiskey releases. Midleton Very Rare’s new drops are always eagerly awaited by whiskey collectors and enthusiasts. Their 2024 iteration is expected to be no different. Coinciding with the 40th release of the inaugural Midleton Very Rare, the distillery has unveiled a special 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition, crafted from three batches of whiskey, each made under the supervision of a unique Midleton Master Distiller during their time. This special edition carries a price tag of €20,000 per bottle.
Boann Distillery’s Winter Solstice Single Pot Still has been crafted using a traditional 19th-century mash bill, a term referring to the mixture of grains employed to make whiskey. The mash bill was once utilised by prestigious whiskey bonders Preston’s of Drogheda, rediscovered with the help of renowned Irish whiskey historian, Fionnán O’Connor. The whiskey symbolises a haunting reminiscence of bygone era spirits, as voiced by Pat Cooney, the founder of Boann Distillery.
Roe & Co’s Solera Edition features a multi-vintage blend made using the same enigmatic system of fractional blending that is used in sherry production. This results in a flavourful blend comprising distillations from different barrels including some of the earliest ones from the Roe & Co distillery in the Liberties.
Teeling Whiskey’s Crystal Single Malt is enhanced with crystal malt. A byproduct of the malting procedure, crystal malts are frequently used in brewing to impart caramel and nutty flavours to a beer. Teeling has included a proportion of crystal malts in their original mash bill, delivering added depth to their award-winning single malt whiskey.
Teeling Whiskey Crystal Single Malt is a smooth whiskey characterised by notes of green apples, pears and caramel along with a spicy finishing touch of muscovado sugar. It comes in at 46% and costs €80 per bottle.
Roe & Co Solera Edition 01 Single Malt Irish Whiskey, priced at €85, is an inviting blend featuring whiffs of butterscotch and dried fruits. The palate bursts with tropical fruits, toasted nuts and rich caramel, ensuring a well-rounded finish.
The Boann Winter Solstice Single Pot Still comes in at quite a potent 59.9% and is priced at €150 per bottle.
Intriguing scents of caramel and dried fruits greet the senses, opening the way to a multifaceted, robust flavour profile filled with notes of toasted nuts, dark cocoa and honey. This exceptional whiskey is a delight to the senses. Available at: Boanndistillery.com and selected liquor stores.
Scheduled for release in 2024, the Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey, with its 40% alcohol content, is valued at €240. The aroma is a pleasing blend of orchard fruits, vanilla, and nutmeg, giving way to a rich, honey-infused palate bursting with the sweetness of ripe stone fruits, the richness of butterscotch and an elegant touch of spice. This refined blend leaves a lasting impression. Purchase locations include specialist liquor stores across the country and duty-free shops.