Connemara : Peated Single Malt Distillers Edition

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of the Peated Single Malt Distillers Edition Connemara

Tasting Notes

Nose
It reveals a grassy smoke with subtle notes of farmyard and fresh herbs evoking a campfire. Aromas of green apple candy and citrus top notes bring brightness. In the background, one can detect dark brambles and raisins from the sherry cask, along with wet stones, wax paper and touches of eucalyptus.

Palate
The palate opens smooth and soft, evolving into charcoal smoke with grassy nuances, smoked oranges and cracked black peppercorns. A sweetness of baked apple, forest fruit candy and vanilla unfolds, accompanied by lime juice with a hint of salinity. The medium-length finish offers warm smoky notes, cereal elements and an oily texture, giving way to woody spices and a lingering sweetness.

Pairings and Tasting Moments
Ideal for an evening tasting after a hearty meal, this whiskey pairs perfectly with wild Irish smoked salmon, whose preparation echoes its own peaty character. It also goes wonderfully with a mature cheddar, softer cheeses such as brie or goat cheese, as well as charcuterie boards. Adding a splash of water is recommended to open up its aromatic complexity, accentuate its smoky, saline character, and balance its sweetness.

Mixology
Particularly versatile, it lends itself perfectly to summer enjoyment as a Highball. The carbonation and dilution make the experience lighter and more refreshing while preserving the spirit's natural flavours.

Other Characteristics
This peated Irish whiskey stands out for being bottled at 43% ABV, a strength that intensifies the perception of flavours, peat smoke and spice notes.

A Peated Irish Single Malt of Rare Complexity, Enhanced by Sherry Cask Finishing

Cooley Distillery: The Revival of Irish Whiskey
Founded in 1987 by visionary entrepreneur John Teeling, Cooley Distillery has played a fundamental role in the revival of Irish whiskey. Located on the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, on the east coast of Ireland, it stands out for its bold production philosophy. Unlike the traditional Irish triple distillation, Cooley favours double distillation in wide-necked copper stills, producing spirits of great refinement. It was in this context of innovation and respect for historical traditions that the Connemara brand was born, reviving the use of peat in Ireland. Today, the distillery and its iconic brands belong to the global conglomerate Suntory Global Spirits, which continues to carry this unique heritage to the world.

The Art of Double Distillation and Sherry Cask Ageing
The Peated Single Malt Distillers Edition is the result of a distinctive production method that combines peated Scottish barley with unpeated Irish malted barley. This careful selection of raw materials results in a distinctive smoky base while retaining the characteristic smoothness of Irish malt. This whiskey then undergoes double distillation, a deliberate approach aimed at preserving the essential aromatic compounds that a third distillation would tend to strip away.

After an initial maturation in bourbon casks, which give it its fundamental notes of vanilla and oak, this single malt undergoes further finishing. It is transferred into European oak casks that previously held sherry wine. This finishing period introduces remarkable sophistication, bringing notes of dried fruit and a complexity that nuances the power of the peat. Bottled at 43%, this spirit offers superior aromatic intensity, allowing the influence of the sherry cask to fully express itself.