What whisk(e)y are we drinking? (Part 2)

Electric Nitwit · 31-01-2023 7:17pm

Brilliant, not as stupid a question as I thought 🤣

Thanks guys

Citizen Six · 31-01-2023 8:09pm

So it's not 100% rye, which seems misleading on the label to be honest. Looking forward to trying it though.

Black Sheep · 31-01-2023 9:58pm

Irish whisky labels aren't famous for their transparency but I must admit I thought this was pretty clear - 100% Irish rye ... All of the rye being Irish.

This was never going to be 100% rye, that's still uncommon even in the U.S!

I can't see any reference anywhere to the amount of rye in there. Can't imagine it's up there with a Kentucky rye / so-called high rye / straight rye 51% - 100%... I just assume that wouldn't be practical for them.

Electric Nitwit · 31-01-2023 10:23pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120184495#Comment_120184495

I don't know, I'd say a lot of buyers will read that as 100% rye and buy it for being "different". Most whiskey drinkers probably aren't the sort to chat about it on boards 😋

Also, it's not the first. A quick google search showed Kilbeggan claiming the first Irish rye a couple of years ago (https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2018/11/18/new-irish-whiskey-is-irelands-first-rye-based-whiskey/), though it doesn't say where the rye was sourced

Shortcross Rye Malt Irish Whiskey says it's "Created with a unique mash bill of 100% Irish malted rye and malted barley" (https://www.celticwhiskeyshop.com/Shortcross-Rye-Malt-Irish-Whiskey)

And even the powers press release alludes to the historical use of rye

This sounds like I'm against it and I'm really not, it sounds interesting and I'm sure I'll try it, but the marketing seems quite deceitful to me

Black Sheep · 31-01-2023 10:45pm

Yes, I've had the Kilbeggan. People say it's 30% rye, but I don't know how true that is.

Had a sample of Glenallachie 15 today, hot on the heels of the 12. As with so many 15s I can think of it probably doesn't mark enough of a step up to justify the extra spend I don't think. Maybe a shade extra depth but I think if I buy more it will be 8, 10 or more 12.

tyler71 · 31-01-2023 11:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120182014#Comment_120182014

I assume you're being sarcastic or do you really know that little about Irish whiskey? The industry is more active than it has been for years, the variety we're starting to see come from the new distilleries all over the island is only going to increase, with different distilling techniques, different mash bills, and barrels all in the mix and all offering something different - really looking forward to it.

the beer revolu · 01-02-2023 10:58am

I understand it to be a mash of 100% rye. No barley or other grains.

That's what I am basing my admiration on - it being an absolute first for Irish whiskey.

If this isn't the case, they are being extremely misleading.

Label says "100% Irish Rye Mash". This heavily suggests that only rye is used.

https://twitter.com/Bill_Linnane/status/1620412940380934146?t=ULiriZiU-lZ853s418fZMg&s=09

Black Sheep · 01-02-2023 11:02am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120184809#Comment_120184809

With a few rare exceptions, this tends to be a friendly forum. There's no need to preface the fact that you take issue with my comment with a dig at how little you imagine I know about Irish whiskey.

Although I'm tempted to not bother responding, I'll say this: At times the Irish whiskey industry plays it safe and overly looks to historical legacies for inspiration in many cases. I find the whisky scene in other European countries to be more exciting, generally. It's OK to disagree on this point as, like many things in life, it's only a point of view...

accensi0n · 01-02-2023 11:15am

Picked this up in the airport last week for about 65.

the beer revolu · 01-02-2023 11:40am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120183952#Comment_120183952

I'm not so sure this is correct.

Black Sheep · 01-02-2023 11:42am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120186073#Comment_120186073

If it's 100% rye that's bold, fair play to them. The US market will love it.

More significant than it all being Irish rye, for me anyway. Although I do appreciate that also.

Keenly priced too...

Citizen Six · 01-02-2023 12:00pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120184715#Comment_120184715

I’ve had the earlier one that Alex Chasko put down before moving to Teelings, and liked it. I’ve heard it’s changed since that though.

Electric Nitwit · 01-02-2023 1:31pm

Absolutely, 100% Rye would really stand out. Not sure I'd love it, but I'll definitely buy one to try!

Flying to London this weekend (Gatwick specifically), is anyone aware of any duty free highlights or bargains from recent travels? I'll have a look online later, but just in case anyone was there recently and thought "you've got to get this..."

Citizen Six · 01-02-2023 2:00pm

I’m heading to Gatwick this weekend too, but just planning on getting a couple of bottles of scotch on the way back. They should have a website with prices you can search.

There’s also a rail strike on Friday that’ll affect trains from Gatwick, and lesser disruptions early Saturday, just so you’re aware.

Citizen Six · 01-02-2023 2:10pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120186283#Comment_120186283

Seems to be a lot of confusion about it anyway.

Would they need an artificial enzyme if not using and malted barley in it?

Is there a technical file for this kind of whiskey?

Hodors Appletart · 01-02-2023 2:49pm

I read it as a whiskey with some unspecified amount of rye in the mash, but of that unspecified amount 100% of it is Irish grown.

the beer revolu · 01-02-2023 3:32pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120186947#Comment_120186947

Enzymes are routinely used in Irish whiskey production anyway. It's all about the yeild!

I don't see anything in the technical file that would forbid a 100% rye mash.

I have asked them directly through a contact form so, we'll see what they come back with.

Hodors Appletart · 01-02-2023 3:48pm

as the @irish_goat said above, a 100% rye mash would be incredibly sticky and hard to work - even when adding rye to beer mashes you can't go much higher than about 15% before running into even minor issues

Black Sheep · 01-02-2023 3:57pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120186790#Comment_120186790

I saw Arbeg's "Smoketrails" manzanilla finish for around 90 - definitely less than 100 - and didn't get it ... I saw what it's going for online already and nearly fell over! Seems to be 270 or so now, if you can get it.

I don't think they have everything online, it's always very varied in terms of what's value on the day IMO.

the beer revolu · 01-02-2023 3:57pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120187490#Comment_120187490

Yes,thats true. But it is possible to make a 100% rye whiskey.

I'm going by the tweet I linked above where Bill said he asked what the mash bill was.

Black Sheep · 01-02-2023 4:01pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120187530#Comment_120187530

Could be a PR person answered him and was wrong I wonder?

It'll come out in due course anyway.

the beer revolu · 01-02-2023 4:22pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120187559#Comment_120187559

A PR person talking bollocks about Irish Whiskey??

Never! 😜

Hodors Appletart · 01-02-2023 4:26pm

😂!

Electric Nitwit · 01-02-2023 5:20pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120186912#Comment_120186912

Thanks for that, luckily we're travelling tomorrow and Sunday so (hopefully) we'll be ok

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120187528#Comment_120187528

Cheers, £67 online in Gatwick! Don't have any Ardbeg in at the moment either, so that would be perfect

Quackster · 01-02-2023 8:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120186912#Comment_120186912

Just be aware that the duty-free allowance on the way back is just 1 litre of spirits per adult (it's four litres going the other way).

While you're unlikely to be stopped, it's always a possibility.

Citizen Six · 01-02-2023 9:40pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120188948#Comment_120188948

I've a mate who used to work customs at the airport. People bringing back slightly over your allowance isn't really a big concern of theirs.

Quackster · 02-02-2023 12:47am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120189171#Comment_120189171

Yeah, that's what I'd expect. Once you're not taking the proverbial, should be grand.

Citizen Six · 02-02-2023 9:14am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120190158#Comment_120190158

Last time I came back through the airport I'd ditched the boxes so the duty free bag didn't look as big. 😂

the beer revolu · 02-02-2023 10:39am

IDL have confirmed to me by email that the Power's Irish Rye is 100% rye.

"We are happy to confirm that Powers Irish Rye is made exclusively with rye, and that this rye is also 100% Irish."

BeerNut · 02-02-2023 10:55am

This must be why they're building a new distillery: the old one got completely gummed up and they have to throw it out.

Electric Nitwit · 02-02-2023 1:00pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120190549#Comment_120190549

Last time I walked right through with two bottles in a clear bag. I didn't realise the limit was so low until afterwards 😋

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120190846#Comment_120190846

Thanks for that. That's now very interesting

Black Sheep · 02-02-2023 3:47pm

Can't wait to try this now! Might have to do a tasting comparison against some US straight ryes...

the beer revolu · 02-02-2023 3:53pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120192406#Comment_120192406

Me too. This is, without doubt, the most innovative Irish whiskey release to date. There is, literally, none other like it before.

I would have expected a release like this to come under the Method and Madness brand. Seems that IDL aren't as conservative as I thought. I'm seriously impressed that they are doing this.

Black Sheep · 02-02-2023 11:18pm

It's a bit bonkers! I would have thought them brave if they tipped past 50% rye at all. That would have been enough to impress the US market.

In a change of subject...

Recently I finished a Talisker 10 (new label) and felt it had taken something of a downturn compared to my memory of this stellar classic. It just seemed a bit off, overly sweet. I opened a 1L bottle of Talisker 10 (with an old label) this week... Now this is the whisky I remember! No comparison. If I hadn't had the new label bottle so recently then I would say it was simply my dodgy tastebuds, but with it being so recent I'm convinced there is a tangible difference. Maybe the 1L old label bottle has been hanging around for several years. Hmm.

the beer revolu · 03-02-2023 10:50am

I've heard talk of Talisker 10 going downhill for some years now.

irish_goat · 03-02-2023 12:53pm

I thought the same about Talisker. Feel like the newer label bottle is a bit underwhelming. Maybe just a bad run of batches?

Black Sheep · 03-02-2023 5:27pm

Do single malt age statement batches change in a 5 year period or so? Genuine question. We know that modern whisky expressions taste different to vintage versions of the same whisky... Laphroaig 10 is often cited, there are others. But how quickly do they change?

With blends I had assumed change can happen more rapidly, as we know the likes of Johnny Walker actively change recipes at times (Green Label is an example I think).

the beer revolu · 03-02-2023 7:51pm

Theoretically, the could change continously. Tweaks to the mash bill, tweaks to the cuts, a different yeast, faster/slower ferment etc. etc.

Then the barrels can change or how many times they are used can change.

There are so many variables and market shifts, really. It would be almost more surprising if these whiskies didn't change over time.

It could happen gradually or really quickly from batch to batch or anything in between.

HenryCase · 04-02-2023 11:40am

I actually meant to comment on the exact same thing with Talisker 10. I've been buying 1 or 2 for the past few Christmasses when the €30 deals were on. I still have two of the older bottlings but opened the new label this year and thought it was poor. Some of it ended up in hot whiskeys.

Also noticed the old label going for €80 on IWA recently

SteM · 04-02-2023 10:58pm

https://twitter.com/IrishWhiskeyMag/status/1621930999910105089?s=20&t=dFdA8X9jP7Gjl3KvGV1n7A

I'm liking the sound of this!

janiejones · 05-02-2023 12:04am

To add a level of nonsense to the powers rye conversation. I wonder if the powers is a mix of malted and unmalted rye? When they haven't specified on the label. In the style of pot still. I imagine it's all malted, for the reasons mentioned above in terms of mash

Citizen Six · 05-02-2023 12:06pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120190158#Comment_120190158

Ended up bringing two bottles of Ardbeg Smoketrails, an Ardbeg Uigeadail, as Corryvreckan wasn't available, and a Lagavulin 16.

Gatwick have a smaller whiskey shop opposite Harrods, with some stuff they don't have in the normal duty free. They also let you try most of what they have, so I was able to try Uigeadail and Corryvreckan side by side. Glad I preferred the Uigeadail.

HenryCase · 05-02-2023 12:48pm

Not feeling 100% but it was my birthday yesterday and have a tradition of opening a new bottle every year.

Opened an Edradour 10 year old by Signatory Vintage. Picked it up for £50 (I think) in London last year. Nose seemed pleasant enough but I'm a little bunged up that I could only really tell that there's a nice whack of sherry off it :). Taste of dark fruits and Christmas cake I think. Think I will like this one. Looking forward to trying it when feeling better.

Probably one I'll be taking the odd taste of but saving a good chunk for the run up to Christmas.

odyssey06 · 05-02-2023 3:23pm

Anyone know anything about Kinnitty Castle whiskey?

I had a voucher for a local offie and they had the blend and a 10 year old, in the €40 - €55 price range.

https://kinnittycastlespirits.com/irish-whiskey/

Black Sheep · 05-02-2023 3:51pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120204951#Comment_120204951

Sourced whisky aimed at the US.

"THE TEAM

The Kinnitty Castle Spirits team is led by Colin Breen and Bryan Bean, US Army veterans devoted to their Irish heritage. Colin, owner of Four Green Fields Irish Pub, has been a catalyst for the preservation of Irish culture in the US through his association with legendary musicians and commitment to organizing educational events. Bryan established the first Irish-American Veterans chapter in the US, which proudly hosts events celebrating Irish culture and honoring service men and women.

The Kinnitty Castle Spirits team is dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders worldwide! Contact us to learn how we can leverage Kinnitty Castle Spirits and Kinnitty Castle Hotel to support your benevolent organization or event."

TheW1zard · 05-02-2023 8:46pm

https://www.celticwhiskeyshop.com/teeling-rising-reserve

Anyone tried this? Will it be an appreciating classic or no?

Tempted

Citizen Six · 05-02-2023 9:08pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120206128#Comment_120206128

Tempted to buy it to drink or to invest? Doubt there's any value investing in it myself.

Hodors Appletart · 07-02-2023 9:02am

Went into a quiet bar in Dublin on Saturday evening, after a meal out - wasn't looking for pints, I was after a couple of whiskies to finish the evening.

I don't own, nor have I tasted a lot of Irish in the past.

First I had a Yellow Spot, and thought it was lovely. Definitely intend on getting a few more of these.

Then I had a Jameson Black Barrell. My only previous with anything Jameson is the standard bottle, and I don't like it. This was nice, but perhaps a bit too sweet for me to consider buying a bottle.

odyssey06 · 07-02-2023 9:31am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120210175#Comment_120210175

Distilled on Nassau Street have a top shelf whiskey on offer, under what they call their 'break even project'.

If you're about town again e.g. at the moment.

W.D. O’Connell PX 20 Year Old Single Cask

This single malt is limited to just 300 bottles marking the end of their first series of PX releases.

Aged 17 years in first full ex-bourbon casks, Then matured in ex Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks. Break Even Project price €6.50

https://twitter.com/DistilledDublin/status/1620690884504461315

Hodors Appletart · 07-02-2023 10:03am

yeah I've seen Distilled on the socials, I'm yet to go in.

I almost never drink spirits when I'm "out" though

The bar we went to was a favourite of ours, and we like going there after we've been out for a meal - Cafe/Bar 1920 on Westmoreland Street, it's never mad busy, or loud, and they have some nice whiskies, I wish they had more scotch, but I kind of like that I'm "forced" to order something I might not ordinarily get.

What whisk(e)y are we drinking? (Part 2)

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