IWSA Glendalough Distillery Virtual Tasting
Posted by Irish Whiskey USA on
The IWSA enjoyed a wonderful virtual tasting on Friday June 4th with Donal O'Gallachoir from Glendalough Distillery. Ahead of the event, participants were provided a beautiful tasting box which featured a tasting mat, branded Tuath Glass, distillery pin, and three 50ml whiskies, all from Glendalough Distillery.
IWSA members from 17 different states across the USA participated in the 90 minute event led by Donal. Three samples representing 3 styles of Irish Whiskey were presented and discussed:
1) Double Barrel
This Single Grain variety aged in both bourbon and sherry casks for 4 years is part of the distillery's core range of offerings. At 42% abv, this lighter, slightly sweet offering was a great way to kick off the proceedings.
2) Pot Still
The second offering was a pot still variety aged for 4 years first in bourbon casks then finished in virgin Irish Oak. This was a big hit with the group. The Irish Oak finishing really distinguishes this pot still from other newer pot still releases. Each bottle can be traced to a particular tree. The distillery is currently aging existing pot still stock in Irish Oak which should further differentiate future offerings. As yet, there have not been any Irish Whiskey releases aged exclusively in Irish Oak, never mind the quintessential Irish style of single pot still. Something to really look forward too. In the interim, we can still enjoy these current bottlings at 43% abv.
3) 13 year Mizunara
This 46% abv single malt was aged for 13 years in bourbon casks before finishing in rare Japanese Mizunara wood casks. This expression really represents what Glendalough is trying to do with unique releases. This was a big hit with the group and may have slightly edged out the pot still as favorite of the night. Unfortunately, whatever you find in the wild is all that is left of this offering. Limited bottles can still be found on retail store shelves in states carrying Glendalough products. Grab one if you can.
In addition to discussing each whiskey, Donal talked about past releases, the distillery, unique company logo, and upcoming plans. Great craic throughout the night. Members who were unable to participate live can watch the full recorded video of the event on the website or IWSA youtube channel The IWSA is looking forward to future virtual tastings with Glendalough Distillery when new releases come to market. Stay tuned.