Waterford is the latest venture of Mark Reynier, the former CEO of Bruichladdich in Islay. In 2015, Mark purchased a disused, state-of-the-art Guinness brewery near the South Coast of Ireland. There, inspired by his 40 years’ experience in wine and spirits, he launched a pioneering whisky distillery which would produce limited edition, single malts focused on terroir, transparency and traceability.
Mark brings to single malt whisky the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour as the greatest winemakers. Waterford has a barley-led approach as the conditions under which the barley grows; the ‘terroir’, has a profound impact on the quality of the liquid and ultimately defines the flavour of Waterford’s whiskies.
All of Waterford’s whiskies are made using 100% malted barley and are natural and non-chill filtered with a slow fermentation and unhurried distillation to extract maximum flavours. The maturation takes place half a kilometre from the sea and uses premium quality French and American casks; a combination of first-fill and new oak barrels.
Sheestown
Another excellent Single Farm Origin single malt Irish whisky from Waterford, and this one is the Sheestown. It was once again made exclusively with barley grown by Phillip O’Brien in Sheestown, Kilkenny. Alongside the other releases in the range, it allows you to see the impact that barley’s terroir can have on whisky.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Cinnamon and black pepper, with lighter hints of cooked pears.
Palate: Rounded barley and vanilla, supported by subtle fruity hints and a kick of caraway.
Finish: Butterscotch and cantaloupe remain.
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