Killbeggan Releases Its Own Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Ireland’s Killbeggan Distilling Company, owned by spirits giant Beam-Suntory, has a new pot still Irish whiskey on its hands. This is an important milestone in this brand’s return, as a whiskey of this type is produced only in Ireland, at a single distillery that is double- or triple-distilled in copper pot stills from a mix of malted and unmalted barley and up to 5% of other grains. What’s particularly unique about it as well is the mash bill recipe features oats, which were used at Kilbeggan Distillery in times now long past.

The new Kilbeggan Single Pot Still, according to those behind it, has a mash bill that’s “malted barley, raw barley and 2.5 percent oats, the whiskey was inspired by recipes used at Kilbeggan Distillery through the late 1800s. In those times, oats were grown across the Midlands Region of Ireland and were commonly used by distillers like the Locke family at Kilbeggan for filtration purposes.” It is said this “grain also imparts a unique flavor and creamy texture not typically found in Irish whiskey.”

“This remarkable whiskey is a glorious tribute to the traditional Irish pot still style and the community that kept Ireland’soldest continually licensed distillery alive over centuries of trial and triumph,” said Michael Egan, U.S. Irish Whiskey Brand Ambassador for Kilbeggan Distilling Company, in a prepared statement. “It is a truly unique spirit, with a rare mash that has produced a flavor unlike anything available today.”

This new Irish whiskey is double distilled to 86 proof in Kilbeggan’s old copper pot stills – one of which is the world’s oldest working whiskey pot still today – and the new spirit “is the second limited release to be 100 percent distilled and matured at Kilbeggan Distillery since its restoration in 2010.” It is bottled at 43% ABV, pricing at around $45 per 750 ml bottle and will be available this month. You’ll find some official tasting notes below.

• Aroma: Initial fresh crisp aroma followed by apple, pear, and melon. Jasmine and hazelnut notes combine with a hint of honeycomb sweetness.
• Taste: Spice becomes apparent, but not overbearing, with summer fruits and citrus. Warming mid palate with a fresh mint leaf flavor leading on to a rich creamy mouthfeel.
• Finish: Initially soft, mellow, and smooth, with a creamy finish. Lingering spice and a dryness as the oat influence become evident.