It's been a year since we focused on tasting Whisky from our close neighbour... if the spelling hasn't given it away already we are thrilled to have whiskys from two renowned Scottish distilleries presented at this months tasting: From the Highlands to the Islay: Glenmorangie & Ardbeg
We are delighted to welcome Paul Tuohy back for a Society Tasting. Paul presented a fantastic tasting event in Dingle in 2017 and works closely with Glenmorangie and Ardbeg so we are sure to enjoy exploring their whiskys on Thursday 28th March at 8pm in Wynn's Hotel, Dublin 2.
From the Highlands, Glenmorangie is known for the tallest stills in Scotland, which create their unique distillate, and for their pioneering extra-maturation that introduced cask finishes to produce a range of well regarded and award winning single malt whiskys. Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks is one of the most acclaimed distillers in the industry, known for his experimentation and early research into specific cask selection and maturation finishes. We will experience some of their award winning range from the beloved 'Glenmorangie Original' (10 Year Old), the 'Glenmorangie Nector D'or' finished in hand selected wine barriques from Sauternes, to the incredible 'Glenmorangie Signet' a special and rare expression of their whisky with it's full details shrouded in secrecy but known for the use of roasted 'chocolate' barley malt, drawing on some of the oldest stocks from the distillery and specially selected casks. We're also trying our best to get something special from the Distillery... fingers crossed...
Then to the other side of Scotland and a totally different Single Malt experience from Islay... Ardbeg is renowned for their peated expressions and produces whisky balancing the characteristics imparted by the peat with their quality cask maturation strategy to deliver multiple layers of flavour from the finishes and the wood. We will be trying the perfectly balanced 'Ardbeg 10 Year Old', a new expression in their Ultimate range 'Ardbeg An Oa' with several finishes gathered in their Oak Gathering Vat to marry together, and also the 'Adrbeg Uigeadail' voted by the 120,000+ strong Ardbeg Committee as their favourite Ardbeg.
This will be a great way to sample renowned single malts from both sides of Scotland and from both sides of the single malt spectrum. We look forward to enjoying some some wonderful drams with you on March 28th! Booking opens for members on Monday 11th March at 10:00am with open access to non-members from Saturday 16th at 10:00am.
April will see Walsh whiskey from Carlow visit the town for a tasting for the first time since 2017. Walsh have always been an excellent friend to our society and we look forward to one of their ambassadors bringing us up to date with all of their news and samples from their current range including their new limited edition Writers Tears cognac cask(s).
Walsh have won Best irish Single Cask whiskey for their Caribbean Cask finish at the 2018 national whiskey awards and Jim Murray named their Irishman 17 year old as his single cask of the year in this years Whiskey Bible. High praise indeed!
As some members may recall, Walsh and Dingle pub, Dick Macks recently collaborated on a bottling just before Christmas which was a huge success and so we are delighted to have them back again to their home away from home.
This tasting will take place in the upstairs room overlooking Dingle harbour of John Benny's pub who themselves are building a solid reputation in the whiskey industry.
We look forward to seeing you all there and sharing what will be a memorable experience.
NB. No cash accepted on the night.
Book on line at www.irishwhiskeysociety.com under 'Events'
Whiskeys Tasted
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Members may recall that Slane Distillery hosted a fantastic tasting for us last year. The Irish Whiskey Society has now been invited to a unique "behind the scenes" distillery tour of Slane Distillery with co-founder Alex Conyngham and Distillery Manager Alan Buckley on Saturday the 13 April.
It will give us an opportunity for a deep dive into the detail of how this new state of the art distillery balances innovation and tradition while producing Pot Still, Grain and Malt Irish whiskeys.
You will have the chance to learn and ask questions on the whole production process from grain to glass, via the mash-house, brew-house and still house followed by whiskey sampling in the stable yard.
A bus has been arranged to take you there from Dublin and back.
10am sharp: leaving CHQ building Dublin
circa 11am: arrival in Slane Distillery
circa 11am - 1pm distillery tour, discussion with Alex and Alan.
1pm - 2pm free time for members to either have lunch at the castle or roam the grounds.
2pm: leaving for Dublin
circa 3pm: Arriving Dublin
There is modest fee of €10.00 to pay for the bus.
If you need transportation, this is excellent value.
The tour itself is provided complimentary to Society Members.
Secure your place by booking now, asattendance is limited.
PS.
If you do not need to go on the bus, be at Slane Castle for 11 AM and meet up with the Society Members arriving by bus at the entrance to the Stables and Distillery. Parking is free at Slane.
The formal tour is expected to end around 1 PM.
There is no fee to Members for this, but you do need to book a place, as attendance is limited.
