New Irish Whiskeys Get Cognac Cask Finishing Treatment

Camus Wines & Spirits is known here in the US in part as a distributor for its parent company’s Camus Cognac range. It also brings whiskey in as well, including from the Glencadam distillery. It is now adding to this spirits mix Irish whiskey that has seen extra aging time in ex-Cognac casks.

The new Lambay Irish Whiskeys, according to those behind them, are a joint venture between Camus and the Baring Family’s Revelstoke Trust. The setting for this and the inspiration for the brand name is Lambay Island, a wildlife sanctuary located off the east coast of Ireland, owned by the Baring Family since 1904. The initial two whiskeys which will be released under this new line include:

• Lambay Irish Whiskey Small Batch Blend: Malted, un-malted barley and grain whiskeys, blended, triple distilled and matured in bourbon barrels with a Cognac cask finish. A touch of Lambay Island Trinity Well Water has been added as well.

• Lambay Irish Whiskey Single Malt: An unpeated whiskey, triple distilled and finished in selected French Oak Cognac casks that have been exposed to the sea air and maritime winds on Lambay Island.

Both whiskeys will be released during the first quarter of this year, and you’ll find some official tasting notes below for your consideration.

Lambay Irish Whiskey Small Batch Blend Notes:  

• Color: Oak Brown
• Nose: Floral, citrus and lingering spiciness
• Palate: Cracked almonds, pepper, malt, floral
• Finish: Spiciness with lingering sweetness
• ABV: 40%, Non-chill filtered
• SRP: $30-35

Lambay Irish Whiskey Single Malt Notes:

• Color: Mahogany Brown
• Nose: Malt, green fruit, floral, ripe bananas
• Palate: Coconut, malt, dried berries
• Finish: Long lasting malt with lingering sweetness and green fruits
• ABV: 40%, Non-chill filtered
• SRP: $65-$70