Glendalough whiskies

History

Five friends from Wicklow launched the project with the idea of reviving the spirit of the area’s distillers and started with poitín, the traditional Irish spirit. They then released whiskeys made with spirit from other Irish houses, to which they gave their own maturation and finish, while building their own distillery. Over time the brand became known for its whiskeys with Irish oak casks and its gin with wild botanicals from the mountains. In the 2010s the brand became part of a Canadian drinks group.

House style

Glendalough’s Double Barrel is a smooth, indulgent grain whiskey: it matures in bourbon casks and finishes in oloroso sherry casks, which give it dried fruit, caramel, vanilla and spice. The house also offers malts finished in wine or Irish oak casks. They are friendly, aromatic whiskeys without smoke. They are enjoyed neat or on the rocks, and show how a young distillery can carve out a niche with original finishes.

Where to start

Glendalough Double Barrel is the catalogue’s entry and a good way to discover Irish grain whiskey. If you like it, compare it with Teeling Single Grain and Kilbeggan Single Grain to see other takes on this style, and with a classic blend such as Jameson. It is a good bottle for those starting out with Irish whiskey and looking for something smooth and indulgent.

• Glendalough Double BarrelSingle grain · 42% ABV