Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey (700ml)

"Seriously sexy peat at work here." - Jim Murray

Connemara is a wild, mountainous region on the west coast of Ireland, lying between the Atlantic Ocean and Loughs Corrib and Mask. Peat bogs are a major fuel source for the region and have played an important role throughout Irish history both as an energy source and in the production of whiskey. However, as many of the distilleries in Ireland were located alongside a canal, the transport and use of coal in distilleries became more efficient than peat. This temporarily killed the tradition of drying malted barley over peat fires. Managing Director of Cooley Distillery, David Hynes and chairman John Teeling have resurrected this traditional Irish custom, creating Ireland's first contemporary peated malt. Noted whisky writer, Michael Jackson commented “The revival of rustic peatiness adds a whole new element to today’s palette of Irish whiskey flavours…Lots happening. Chimney pots of smoke. I love this whiskey.” The show circuit has also seen Connemara Peated decorated, receiving over twenty medals from major spirits competitions since 2012.

Gilded in peat reek, there are initially potpourri-like scents with lavender evident, then deeper notes like orange marmalade, toasty oak and smokey bacon. It's relatively light bodied, which indicates first and foremost this is Irish whiskey; a soft, round entry leads into a sweet grainy burst with a chewy mouthfeel and perfectly harmonised peat that neither dominates nor detracts, finishing drier with vanilla, toffee apple and spice. Hardly your typical peater from Islay, yet this has real complexity and soul - even if it pulls up slightly short. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews… Seriously sexy peat at work here. 89 points. - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

Exudes beautiful soft peat notes, barley sugar, and apple-cinnamon granola. Light lemon and honey, with a delightful growth in apple crumble flavors, golden syrup, and more peat smoke and orchard fruits on the finish. Drink this neat. 87 points - whiskyadvocate.com

...Nose: Sweet, clean peat, vanilla and - floral notes. One of the most profound and complex of Irish noses. Palate: Again very sweet, peaty. Softly honeyed and oily Mild molasses, fabulously smoky. Finish: Becomes drier as some oak bites, but the peat just keeps on rumbling along. Comment: This single malt had suffered from an identity crisis over the last year or so. Some vattings had become slightly off-key, dirty even, and the malt had lost direction. This bottling, however, is back to its brilliant best. 90 points - Jim Murray - whiskymag.com

...Golden amber color. Shy aromas of dried fruits, raisins, and nuts have a lightly phenolic edge. Soft and supple entry leads to a dryish medium-bodied palate with delicate nut, buttery dry caramel, and reedy wood with a touch of peat and iodine. Delicately balanced on the fade with peppery and earthy notes. Very easy to drink.
International Review of Spirits Award: Silver Medal
89 points (Highly Recommended) - tastings.com

Gold Outstanding Irish Whisky - Single Malt - 2019 International Wine & Spirit Competition