Spirits to Lift the Spirits -From Irish Whiskey to 2003
Nouveau
I have to confess that I haven't been the world biggest fan
of Irish whiskey. While some may have a sweet tooth, it seems that I have a
developed a "peat tooth" meaning that I like the smoky notes lurking in certain
Scotch whiskeys. At least that was until today's Vintages release, where I discovered
Connemara Pure Pot Still Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey (475921) at $66.95.
Well hold the calls because here's an elixir that's certain
to bring a smile to the eyes of every whiskey aficionado. Light gold colour,
the nose is very peaty with smoky, honeyed, plum notes. On the palate, it is
surprisingly well balanced and rounded with rather viscous, rich, smoky, peaty-plum
flavours. It has lovely balance and a great lingering finish - without question
a release highlight and perfect Christmas gift.
To get the scoop, I called the Ontario agent George Stephen
Associates who specializes in importing fine whiskey under the Angel's Share
Whiskey Company umbrella. "It all goes back to 1993 when I launched the Signatory
Vintages Scotch whiskey," states Stephen, "it's been a terrific success."
Indeed, there have been 16 Signatory releases in Vintages in less than three
years! "Irish whiskeys are traditionally made without using a smoking peat
fire to dry the germinated malted barley," explains Stephen. " The new
owners at Cooley have invested in this new award-winning brand and it's the
only peated single malt Irish whiskey in the world." As only 50 cases of
six were imported by Vintages, you will have to move quickly to get this one.
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Judged by the most influential spirits industry professionals
who sipped and ranked the world's top spirits at the 4th annual San Francisco
World Spirit Competition, Connemara Peated Single Malt range was triumphant
throughout all its ranks. Connemara, produced by Cooley Distillery, the only
independent distillery in Ireland, has already won numerous gold medal awards
in the International Wine and Spirit Competition and the International Spirits
Challenge. The win at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition is a continued
measure of the outstanding quality and success of Connemara Peated Single Malt
Irish Whiskey. An all round winner.
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