CONNEMARA SINGLE MALT IRISH WHISKEY

Extraordinary peat explosion unique to Irish whiskey 

The Connemara Pure Pot Still Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey is unique because it is the only peated single malt Irish whiskey distilled in the world. Reminiscent of an Islay Scotch Whisky in style, Connemara is more elegant and full of complexity and richness.  

The uniqueness of concept and quality was recognised in both the International Spirits Challenge and the International Wine and Spirits Competition where it scooped two gold medals in 1996. A third gold medal has been awarded to Connemara Peated Single Malt in the 2002 International Wine and Spirits Competition.  Rich age and wood characteristics contribute to the lingering taste and warming glow attributed to the finest malt whiskies.

The famous Connemara region in the west of Ireland is a region of wild beauty, with majestic mountains, soft rain, mist, rivers, lakes and pure water carried eastward by the Atlantic winds. The Connemara Peated Single Malt is a taste of this majestic region of lakes and mountains.  

Connemara is a throwback to the traditional whiskey produced by tiny distilleries all over Ireland in the early 19^th century, a style that seemed lost forever only a decade ago. The secret of the Connemara ’s special peated taste is in the drying process.  Once the malted barley has germinated it is dried over a peat fire, the smoke rising through the malted barley giving it a distinct peaty flavour and aroma.  The melange of pure clear spring water and peated malted barley give the Connemara a rare flavour.  Slowly maturing for long years in oak casks, the natural ingredients and traditional distilling methods employed create a whiskey which is simply spectacular.  

Tasting notes of Jim Murray, renowned Whiskey Commentator  

Nose:                                      A light and fruity nose with a distinct smoke and peat aroma.   

Taste:                                     Silky smooth and honey sweet start, malt and fruits giving way to the intensifying full bodied peat.  Complex yet balanced with vanilla oak tones.  

Finish:                                     Golden honey notes followed by an extraordinary peat explosion spreading across the mouth and palate

Serving Suggestions:             Connemara can be served neat in a tumbler glass, on the rocks, or with a little water to release the bouquet. It is ideal as an after dinner or weekend drink when one can truly enjoy a tranquil moment to savour this unique whiskey.

Endorsements                        “Genuinely a one-off, being Ireland’s only peated malt carries a bit of a burden.  But this is stylish, absolutely top rank and near faultless, showing remarkable maturity. For peat whiskey lovers this is more than a must. Brilliant” .

Jim Murray, author of Classic Irish Whiskey.  

Connemara was recommended in Whisky Magazine’s Irish tasting (Issue 15).

“I love this whiskey”, declares Michael Jackson.

“A relatively lightly peated malt which does not have the iodine medicinal flavours associated with peated malts.  This level of peating combined with careful distillation has produced a malt which retains the sweetness of non-peated malt while still reflecting the peat in a dry finish.  A superb combination which is ultimately very satisfying”.

Noel Sweeney, Cooley Master Blender.  

Connemara 12 year Old Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey

The newly released Connemara 12 Year Old is already causing a stir among whiskey connoisseurs worldwide after scooping a Gold Medal at the World Spirit Competition in San Francisco in March 2004. Reflecting the region of Connemara , this magnificent 12 Year Old revives the age-old tradition and heritage of drying malted barley over peat fires. To the smooth, balanced malt and peat flavours of Connemara Peated Single Malt is added the lingering wood aftertaste to produce a whiskey of great complexity and sophistication. Truly, Connemara 12 year old has been worth the wait.

John Teeling, Chairman of Cooley Distillery said "Our blenders and quality consultants have made us release the Connemara 12 year old. They believe that it is one of the best whiskeys in the world - bar none. It represents the pinnacle, to date, of Cooley distillation and maturing skills. The soft waters of the Cooley Hills, the warm caress of the copper pot stills, the breathing oak barrels from Kentucky , the ancient granite warehouses of Kilbeggan and 12 years in a perfect whiskey climate have combined to deliver this gem. We have very limited quantities, so savour while you can."

The official web-site for these fine products is www.cooleywhiskey.com

Send mail to brittonmj@clear.net.nz with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: March 26, 2010