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Whisky is a passion to explore. From the history of the spirit to the evolution of the industry, the story of whisky helps fuel that passion. Often, it’s easy to forget that whisky is also a global multibillion dollar industry. The stories of whisky — from news and new releases to in-depth inquires and what goes on behind the label — blend together to help us appreciate the spirit of whisky.
Irish Distillers to Release Irish Oak-Finished Midleton
February 24, 2015 – For the first time, Irish Distillers will release a special version of Midleton finished in virgin Irish Oak casks made of trees harvested from sustainably-managed forests. Midleton Dair Ghaelach is the result of a project that began six years ago when Master Blender Billy Leighton and Master of Maturation Kevin O’Gorman led a group of colleagues in trying to produce a whiskey using native Irish Oak.
The wood came from Ballaghtobin Estate in County Kilkenny, where ten 130-year-old Irish oak trees from Grinsell’s Wood were harvested in April of 2012. The wood was sent to Spain for drying and coopering, and the resulting casks were filled with a blend of Midleton from ex-Bourbon casks between 15 and 22 years old for almost a year of finishing. Each cask will be bottled separately, with bottling strengths of between 58.1% and 58.5% ABV.
Dair Ghaelach is the first in a series of single pot still Whiskies from Midleton to be finished in virgin Irish Oak. The whiskey will be available in Ireland, the UK, France, Germany, and South Africa with a recommended retail price of $250 USD. There are no plans to make the initial release available in the US.
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