Four new whiskeys, five if you include the Senses below, to give as gifts this Christmas or to enjoy yourself. New to Aldi, Dúchas is produced by Old Carrick Mill Distillery in Co Monaghan. It comes in a smaller 50cl bottle, but even so, it offers great value for money at €24.99.
This is the third release in the Teeling Rising Reserve range. Each is made using a select 21-year-old Irish single malt which is then given a final maturation in cask. This release was initially aged in ex-Bourbon casks before spending three years in ex-Port barrels. Six thousand bottles were produced.
Bushmills has launched several new whiskeys recently, including the 14-year-old below which has been aged in Malaga casks and the excellent once-off Causeway Collection 2011 Oloroso Cask, available exclusively from Celtic Whiskey for €125.
Meanwhile, Sliabh Liag has released The Legendary Ruby Silkie, a new addition to their series. This version has been finished in ex-Port casks giving it a lovely Christmassy flavour.
On December 21st, Wild Atlantic Distillery in Co Tyrone will launch their first whiskey, The IslandMen 1921. See wildatlanticdistillery.ie for details.
If money is no object, Damien Grey, of two-star Michelin restaurant, Liath, in Blackrock and Rupert Egan, head bonder at spirit bonders Egan & Co, have created Senses, whiskeys based on the five senses of taste; sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. The pair used 23-year-old single malt whiskey and aged it in five very different barrels. They are offered as a limited-edition collection. Just 200 sets were made of the Senses collection. Priced at €5,950, the five bottles come in a case and include five 700ml bottles and a 40ml sample bottle of each. Owners also receive a complimentary table for two at Liath Restaurant. See Liathrestaurant.com for further details.
Dúchas Irish Whiskey 2024 Vintage
40%, €24.99 for 50cl
Smooth and creamy with butterscotch, vanilla and ripe exotic fruits.
From Aldi
The Legendary Ruby Silkie Irish Whiskey, Sliabh Liag
46%, €70
Smooth and rounded with rich sweet dark fruits, a subtle note of smoked peat and nice length.
From shop.sliabhliagdistillers.com or specialist off-licences
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Bushmills 14-year-old Malaga Finish Single Malt Whiskey
40%,€65-€70, £60
Voluptuous and mellow with exotic fruits and orange peel, alongside some vanilla and spice.
Widely available from off-licences nationwide
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Teeling 21-year-old Single Malt Irish Whiskey Rising Reserve, Series Three
46%, €225
Mellow and opulent with dark cherries, dried fruits and a spicy lingering finish.
From Teeling Distillery, D8; Celtic Whiskey, D2 and other specialist off-licences
