Millars Special Reserve Irish Whiskey.  

A darker, full bodied, smooth whiskey in the traditional Irish sense

The Millars Special Reserve Irish Whiskey brand originates from a company in Dublin called Adam Millar & Company. 

The brand was first established in 1843 as a premium Irish Whiskey and was successfully marketed until the 1970’s.  Millars Special Reserve was known throughout Ireland as a “classic Dublin sipping whiskey”.  The traditional method of drinking such a whiskey was to sip it neat and occasionally drink a bottle of Guinness Stout as well.

In 1987, Cooley Distillery, Ireland ’s only independent Irish acquired the rights to the A. A. Millar brands. However, it wasn’t until September 1994 that Cooley formally relaunched Millars Special Reserve Irish Whiskey. The brand reflects the classic atmosphere of the 1920’s and 1930’s, a time when writers like Joyce, O’Casey and Yates raised the Irish spirit and in so doing contributed to the birth of the Irish nation.

This is a unique blend of the finest grain and malt Irish whiskeys with exceptional character and superior quality.  It is double distilled and matured almost entirely in once used oak bourbon casks.  The character of the whiskey comes primarily from the quality malt barley specially chosen to give the whiskey a unique smooth after taste.  

Millars Special Reserve has been distilled, matured and blended to produce a darker, full bodied, smooth whiskey in the traditional Irish sense.  It has been awarded two bronze medals, one at the International Spirits Challenge (May 1996) and the other at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (July 1996).  

Tasting notes of Jim Murray, renowned Whiskey Commentator  

Nose:                                      Sweet on the nose grape combines with the grain resulting in a

Taste:                                     Very malty start followed by a very powerful grain which is fruity. Not a light whiskey at all. Full mouth feel, slight grapeness with good weight sherry in evidence.

Finish:                                     Very favourable bourbon finish feel of a five year old minimum with seven plus.

Serving Suggestions:             Neat, on the rocks, or with water to taste.  Equally good served with mixers or as an ingredient for Irish Coffee.  A sipping whiskey for all occasions.  

Endorsements:                       “Not a light whiskey at all.  Very favourable bourbon finish feel of a five year old minimum with seven plus”.

Jim Murray, author of Irish Whiskey Almanac. 

“Millars character comes from the high quality of wood used in the aging process.  The exclusive use of the first-fill bourbon casks departs depth and complexity rarely found in a blend. The predominant characteristics are the vanilla sweetness and honey, with the effervescence of oak”.

Noel Sweeney, Cooley Master Blender.

The official web-site is www.cooleywhiskey.com

Send mail to brittonmj@clear.net.nz with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: August 29, 2011