Knappogue Castle whiskies

History

Knappogue Castle was for centuries the home of the MacNamara clan and, after decades of neglect, it was bought and restored in the 1960s by an American family, who opened it to the public with medieval-style banquets. Years later a member of that family launched an Irish malt bearing the castle’s name, made with whiskey from other distilleries in the country. The brand grew in the United States with malts of different ages and, after several changes, became part of a large drinks company. The castle is still the image on its labels.

House style

Knappogue Castle’s malts are light, delicate and fruity, with apple, pear, honey, vanilla and flowers. Triple distillation, typical of Ireland, gives them smoothness, and maturation in bourbon casks adds vanilla without covering the fruit. They have no smoke. They are elegant malts for drinking neat, best appreciated on their own or with a few drops of water so as not to lose their delicacy. The brand also offers older versions, finished in sherry or wine casks, richer and more complex.

Where to start

Knappogue Castle 12 is the catalogue’s entry. If you like it, compare it with other light-style Irish malts, such as Bushmills 10 or Teeling Single Malt, and with The Tyrconnell, double distilled, to see the difference triple distillation makes. All of them are enjoyed neat. They are malts to be discovered unhurriedly.

• Knappogue Castle 12 Year OldSingle malt · 40% ABV