Kilbeggan whiskies

History

The Kilbeggan distillery operated for almost two centuries, much of the time under the Locke family, who made it famous. The crisis of Irish whiskey in the 20th century led it to close in the middle of the century, and its buildings became a museum. At the end of the 1980s the Cooley distillery bought the brand and, years later, restored Kilbeggan’s stills to distil there again on a small scale. When Cooley was bought by Beam, and then by Suntory, Kilbeggan became part of that group. Its waterwheel and old equipment attract many visitors.

House style

Kilbeggan Traditional’s style is smooth and light: honey, sweet cereal, vanilla, orchard fruit and a touch of spice. It is made with grain and malt whiskey distilled twice instead of three times, which gives it some body. It uses no peat. It is an easy blend, designed for drinking on the rocks, in mixed drinks or in cocktails. Bourbon wood gives it gentle caramel notes.

Where to start

Kilbeggan Traditional is the version in the catalogue and a good gateway to the smoothest Irish whiskey. It is an interesting alternative to other well-known Irish blends, such as Jameson or Tullamore D.E.W. If you like it, try Connemara, from the same house, to discover peated Irish whiskey. Drink it on the rocks or in an Irish coffee.

• Kilbeggan TraditionalBlend · 40% ABV