Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye Irish Whiskey

Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye Irish Whiskey was the first whiskey distilled and matured entirely at the Kilbeggan Distillery to be released since the distillery's restoration was completed in 2010. It is made from a heritage mash of malt, barley and 30% rye, a recipe that recalls the 1890s, when many large Irish distillers used rye before the grain all but vanished from Irish whiskey around Prohibition and the Irish War of Independence. The spirit is double distilled in Kilbeggan's copper pot stills, one of which is the oldest working whiskey pot still in the world, and Kilbeggan describes it as the only modern Irish whiskey on record with this much rye in its mash. The label marks it as a limited release, distilled, matured and bottled in Ireland, at 43% ABV in a 750ml bottle.

Tasting Notes: Creamy vanilla, white pepper, clove and warm spice.

Nose: Soft green fruit and rich cream, then white pepper, citrus and gentle ginger.

Palate: Warming vanilla cream with floral spice, clove and sorrel, building to warm spice and a dry biscuit note.

Finish: Very long and buttery, returning to vanilla with candied jellies and a hint of bubble-gum.

Serve: Neat, or in a Rye Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Sour.