Irish Whiskey, Spirits, Waterford, Whiskey

Waterford Peated Ballybannon 700ml

Out of necessity since the dawn of time, peat has been the primary fuel source in rural Ireland, with its sweet pungency familiar to generations gathered around the hearths of ancient thatched cottages. This same diffused aroma cloaked barley dried over peat smoke by illicit distillers, a custom that began to die out in the 1850s.

As part of Waterford Distillery’s pioneering quest to unearth whisky’s most natural flavours, they dried barley grown on Single Farm Origins of Ballybannon, Co. Carlow, using peat cut from Ballyteige in Co.Kildare. Ballybannon’s barley harvest was peated to 47ppm level.

The bottling is the latest in Waterford Distillery’s Arcadian Farm Origins, which previously saw the first organic Irish whisky and the world’s first biodynamic whisky. This series showcases the intensity of natural flavours and honesty from the old ways, and represent real rarity because of the true scarcity of the raw materials.

Origin: Ireland

ABV %: 50

€95.00

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Description

Created using both Irish-harvested peat and Irish-grown barley – the first in a generation to do so. This release celebrates a return to the traditional ways and flavours of irish whisky production. Out of necessity since the dawn of time, peat has been the primary fuel source in rural Ireland, with its sweet pungency familiar to generations gathered around the hearths of ancient thatched cottages. This same diffused aroma cloaked barley dried over peat smoke by illicit distillers, a custom that began to die out in the 1850s. As part of Waterford Distillery’s pioneering quest to unearth whisky’s most natural flavours, they dried barley grown on Single Farm Origins of Ballybannon, Co. Carlow, using peat cut from Ballyteige in Co.Kildare. Ballybannon’s barley harvest was peated to 47ppm level. The bottling is the latest in Waterford Distillery’s Arcadian Farm Origins, which previously saw the first organic Irish whisky and the world’s first biodynamic whisky. This series showcases the intensity of natural flavours and honesty from the old ways, and represent real rarity because of the true scarcity of the raw materials.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Gentle, soft beginning in the nose. Noticeable smoke. Behind come citrus fruit, pears, pineapple to the fore. The smoke is really nice and tender, has a slightly meaty note. Now and then malty notes are added, some grain, some yeast, slightly grassy floral. In the background vanilla, honey.

Palate

Sparkling, spicy, slightly hot. The mouth is well covered with smoke. The 50% alcohol fits here pretty well in my eyes. This frugality together with the smoke is a great combination. Behind them, light fruits also push forward. Banana, pear, apple, vanilla pudding, honey and caramel bring sweetness and make even the smoke appear sweet. This gets a little more intense towards the end.