Writers' Tears whiskies

History

Bernard and Rosemary Walsh founded their company at the end of the 20th century with Irish coffee liqueurs and, at the end of the 2000s, launched Writers’ Tears, inspired by the pot still and malt blends made in the 19th century. At first the whiskey was made at other distilleries, while the family prepared a distillery of its own in Carlow. At the end of the 2010s an international drinks group bought the company. The brand has expanded with special cask and full-strength editions, much praised by critics.

House style

Writers’ Tears Copper Pot’s style is smooth and fruity: apple, pear, honey, vanilla, spice and a touch of toasted cereal. The combination of pot still and malt, both triple distilled, gives it a creamy, spicy texture. It matures in bourbon casks. It uses no peat. It is a rounded whiskey with a medium, spicy finish. The brand’s special editions, at full strength or with different casks, gain in intensity.

Where to start

Writers’ Tears Copper Pot is the catalogue’s entry and a good gateway to Irish whiskey with pot still, richer than a blend and smoother than a pure pot still. Drink it neat or with an ice cube. If you like it, compare it with Redbreast 12 Year Old or Green Spot to explore the style further. It is a highly recommendable whiskey to give to anyone interested in Irish literature.

• Writers' Tears Copper PotBlend · 40% ABV