A few weeks ago I brought you a bit of a preview of Whisky Live Dublin, which took place in the Mansion House, Dawson Street on Saturday 25th October 2014, and now it's only right that I give a brief review too.
Needless to say it was one hell of a day with more stalls than ever before and a bumper crowd of enthusiasts all enjoying the many delights on show.
Now I have to be honest and state that I didn't quite get the chance, during the show, to get tasting notes down but I shall take you around some of the stalls on show and highlight some of the drinks to keep an eye out for in the near future.
Kilbeggan Distilling Company - Their new 21yo blend has now been released and is as smooth as you'd expect to find from Cooley distillery. Also of note is that the Greenore 8yo is now named Kilbeggan and the Kilbeggan 18yo is now in a Greenore shaped bottle. The Greenore shaped bottle is now used across a lot of the range and is obviously going to be key in their marketing going forward.
Echlinville Distillery - You may remember a while back when I got excited at the return of the Dunvilles Whiskey brand only to find the first release to be a little lacklustre? Well everything I had hoped would happen is happening. After speaking with distillery owner, Shane Braniff, and seeing what direction future releases shall be taking, I can confirm that exciting times are ahead. A new Dunvilles release should be imminent which shall be an aged single malt (from a distillery unknown), PX finished and bottled at 46%. All exactly the way it should be for this distillery to make it's mark on the Irish Whiskey scene. Watch this space for more on these arrivals as and when they happen.
Glendalough Distillery - Up until this event I was only aware of their 7yo single malt but literally as I was taking a quick pre-show look around the Celtic Whiskey Shop a brand spanking new 13yo single malt appeared before my very eyes. Having tried both I can confirm that both are of good solid quality and extremely well priced in todays NAS orientated market. If I'm being honest though the 7yo edged it for me but only just. Furthermore there is some talk of a possible Belfast tasting coming soon but again watch this space and I shall be updating you when I hear any further.
Knappogue Castle - The stand out highlight of the day was their new 14yo, single cask, marsala wine finished, single malt (which is, of course, from Bushmills). The complexity combined with layer upon layer of flavour was just outstanding and yet again goes to show what Bushmills could be with a little more licence to be creative, hopefully this shall come with their change of ownership next year. Knappogue also have a 14yo, single cask, burgundy finished, single malt which, while still good, was nothing compared to the marsala finish.
Teeling Whiskey Company - Yet again here in force and pushing their brand new NAS single malt. A fantastic wee dram and one which I shall be checking out further in the future. Another taste of their single grain, backed up by their award for Irish Single Grain Whiskey of the year, just confirmed my opinion that it is a class act.
Celtic Cask (Celtic Whiskey Shop) - JUST the three new releases to show off then? On show was Seacht (Seven), Ocht (Eight) and Naoi (Nine) which was a peated malt. Stand out of these three was the Ocht which is an older brother of the Sé (Six) which I've reviewed previously but I have to acknowledge that the Naoi has recently picked up Irish Single Cask Whiskey of the year.
Palace Bar & Jack Ryan - Palace Bar 14yo single malt and Jack Ryan 12yo single malt were the two I tried from these companies and have to say both were excellent with the Palace Bar's offering being particularly special.
Ruby Blue Liqueur - Whilst not a whiskey I believe they deserve a special mention for their presentation of their drinks. A delicious range of liqueurs which include blackcurrant, wild blueberry, cranberry and chilli pepper (which got my vote for liqueur of the year). Using real fruit and grain spirit their drinks are clean, fresh and delicious, especially with cocktails. Well worth looking out for.
It goes without saying that there were far more stands on show but I probably could've went to both the afternoon and evening sessions and still not have seen everything.
Well hopefully that has given you an idea of what you missed and what to look out for in the near future. The main point that I took away from this show was that exciting times are ahead for Irish whiskey and judging by the people involved it's reputation is in excellent hands.
Until next time,
Sláinte.
SI
With just under two weeks until the big day I think it's about time that I touched base with you all to highlight what is by far the premier whisk(e)y event in Ireland.
On Saturday 25th October whisky lovers from all over Ireland, and further afield, shall converge upon Dublin for the annual showcase that is "Whisky Live".
Run by Ally Alpine, who is also the owner of the truly excellent Celtic Whiskey Shop (which I've mentioned from time to time), Whisky Live - Dublin has become a must for anyone with a love for Irish whiskey (or any whisky for that matter).
The event, as with the other Whisky Live shows around the world, allows fans to get up close and personal with their favourite drams whilst getting some real insider knowledge from the many exhibitors that are present and this year's show has certainly got plenty to offer.
As mentioned the show itself takes place on Saturday 25th October at the Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin which is in a very central location not far from Grafton Street and there will be two sessions available to choose from. The early session takes place from 2pm - 5:30pm with the later session taking place from 6pm - 9:30pm.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and cost €37.50 with €10 going towards Downs Syndrome Dublin, a very worthy cause I'm sure you'll agree.
These can be bought either by calling into the Celtic Whiskey Shop itself at 27-28, Dawson Street, Dublin or by telephoning 01 675 9744 (if in the Republic of Ireland) or 00 353 1 675 9744 (if calling internationally).
In addition tickets can also be bought by visiting https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/whiskey-live-dublin-2014-tickets-12176392919
With regards content, all exhibitor stands were sold out weeks ago with the following highlighted on a recent e-mail circulating details of the big event.
Midleton are in attendance showcasing their Single Pot Still range and "hopefully a new release or two", while "The Kilbeggan Distilling Company" shall be presenting their brand new Connemara 22yo (which I shall be reviewing later this week) alongside their even newer Kilbeggan 21yo.
These powerhouses shall be ably supported by: Bushmills, Tullamore Dew, Teeling, Knappogue Castle, Echlinville Distillery, Blackwater Distillery, Dingle Distillery, Green & Yellow Spot, Irish Whiskey Awards, Jack Ryans, The Palace Bar, Alltech Distillery, Walsh Whiskey, Dubliner, Glendalough and the Celtic Cask range which will teasing us with upcoming releases of Seacht, Ocht and Naoi.
For some more info on the Celtic Cask range feel free to check out a previous review of the "Sé" release by clicking right here.
From Scotland we will see Arran, Glengoyne, BenRiach, GlenDronach, Glenglassaugh, Gordon & McPhail, Benromach, Bowmore, Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch plus others and from further afield Suntory, Nikka, Alltech, Jim Beam, Bulleit, Jeffersons, and more TBC, shall all be treating us to their finest releases.
As with most whisky shows there will be plenty of masterclasses on the day for those wanting to either improve their knowledge, get some real insight into a certain distillery or simply get more samples under their belt.
Four masterclasses will be open to the public with each costing €10 and taking place at the Whiskey Bar, 37, Dawson Street, Dublin. The public masterclasses are as follows:
1pm - 1:50pm - "Benromach distillery - A classic Speyside"
2pm - 2:50pm - "Benriach Distillery Company - A Decade of Discoveries"
4pm - 4:50pm - "How to utilize Irish Whiskey in a world class beverage" by Jack McGarry from "The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog" bar New York.
5pm - 5:50pm - "Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey from Midleton Distillery"
Each masterclass is limited to 25 people and can only be booked by, again, either by calling into the Celtic Whiskey Shop or by telephoning. These tickets are not available online.
As if all this wasn't enough there will also be a presence from a number of top Dublin restaurants who will be on hand to highlight some fine food pairings to go with your favourite whiskies and the show shall also be partnering with Dublin's top chocolate company "Cocoa Atelier" to again bring some whiskey / chocolate pairings to tantalise the taste buds.
Well......that certainly is one hell of a show they've got planned.
It goes without saying that I shall be in attendance and after taking part last year, and knowing what to expect, I'm really looking forward to the event and hopefully a lot of you can come along where I'll join you all in raising a glass to a fine day in Dublin.
Until next time,
Sláinte.
SI
