Killowen, the small batch Irish distillery in Northern Island, recently announced the release of its Bonded Experimental Series of cask-finished whiskeys.
Said to be unique in its ratio of malt and grain whiskeys, Killowen’s six blends are finished with what’s described as a balanced cask influence. The Killowen Bonded Experimental Series is available nationwide through Folsom Wine & Spirits and retails for $79.99-$89.99/375ml.
Killowen Distillery was founded by friends Brendan Carty, Shane McCarthy, and Liam Brogan when they put down distillery roots in the heart of the Mourne Mountains in County Down.
The founders describe Killowen as part of the modern Irish whiskey revival, transparent at its core, and the trio looks at industry progression with packaging that provides the consumer with all details regarding sourcing, blend ratio, and finish for a deeper understanding of Irish whiskey.
“Since Killowen’s beginning, we’ve been carefully sourcing whiskeys that are a minimum of 10 years old from different distilleries across Ireland,” said Brendan Carty, Killowen’s founder, in a prepared statement. “We’ve also hunted the globe for the finest casks to complement certain flavor notes in the blends.”
Killowen’s distiller’s notes describe those cask finishes as:
JAMAICAN DARK RUM CASK (52.5% ABV, $79.99/375ml)
This cask was specifically chosen for its smell and freshness, creating a whiskey with a balance of coconut and banana on the nose, along with vanilla, candy orange, and hints of mild spice. Bottled at cask strength.
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VIRGIN HUNGARIAN OAK CASK (52.5% ABV, $79.99/375ml)
A 10-year-old blend composed of different whiskies from across Ireland including two single malts and one grain aged in a virgin Hungarian oak cask. A nose of honeysuckle and floral aromas finishes with star anise and lemon zest.
PEATED MALT CASK (52.5% ABV, $79.99/375ml)
Unlike the rest of Killowen’s range with large gestures of cask influence, this cask opts for only a little smokiness and peat, mainly on the late palate and finish.
MEXICAN TEQUILA CASK (52.5% ABV, $79.99/375ml)
The relationship of wood and spirit in the Mexican tequila cask release creates a more balanced flavor profile in which ripe fruits meet nuts, herbs and earthiness with a tiny kiss of smoke.
PINOT NOIR CASK (52.5% ABV, $79.99/375ml)
The fifth whiskey, released over a two-year period. The Pinot Noir Burgundy cask was specifically chosen for its freshness and vibrancy, creating a unique small-batch spirit with a full-bodied experience.
TXAOLINA ACACIA CASK (52.5% ABV, $79.99/375ml)
This cask was specifically chosen for its smell and freshness. Coupled with virgin Acacia heads, this creates a unique small batch spirit with a full-bodied experience.
Killowen’s portfolio also features a Signature Blend – Rum & Raisin 5-Year-Old Single Malt (55% ABV, $64.99/375ml). A vatting of single malts from two different casks: Killowen dark rum & PX sherry. The dark rum offers notes of rich molasses and tropical fruits whereas the PX sherry provides abundant notes of raisin and dried fruits amidst the backdrop of apples and pears found in the sourced distillate.
For more information on how to get Killowen in the U.S., check out www.highroadspirits.com.
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