On 21st December 2014 the first distillation in Connacht in over 101 years took place at The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney in Drumshanbo Co. Leitrim. Over a decade of family distilling later, a new historic milestone is marked with the release of their first-ever ten-year-old Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.
The rare release of just 3,000 individually numbered bottles heralds a new era of increasingly older and special cask editions of the multi-award winning Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish whiskey.
Every precious drop is triple-distilled with Irish malted barley, barley and Irish barra oats at The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney, a real family-owned distillery in the heart of rural Ireland. Authenticity and outstanding quality form the ethos that underpins all Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.
Only exceptional quality Irish ingredients form the mash bill, with absolutely no addition of artificial flavouring or colouring of any kind and it is non chill filtered. The unique inclusion of Irish Barra oats brings a creamy mouth feel.
For over ten years it has slowly matured in delectable Kentucky Bourbon & Acacia casks, patiently awaiting the seal of approval from Head Distiller Brian Taft. Under his intricate guidance, a remarkable quality, distinctive character and depth of taste have finally evolved to meet his expectations for a truly extraordinary ten-year-old single pot still Irish Whiskey.
Brian Taft’s profound knowledge and deep understanding of the minutiae of whiskey distillation and the complexity of individual cask ageing brings a rare intuition that is critical to the calibre of this 10 year old. As each cask matures at its own pace, Brian Taft tastes from every cask, employing his rare, intuitive palate to determine the final cask-selection for a truly extraordinary ten year old.
Twice ranked one of the top 20 whiskeys in the world by Whisky Advocate, Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey has won multiple prestigious international awards and Best Whiskey titles since its inaugural 2017 release.
Pat Rigney:
“The release of the first ten year-old is a big statement for every distillery, so you really want it to be extraordinary. You can’t help but be a little nervous before you taste the final whiskey. This is where the true mastery of the distiller shines through. Brian Taft has exceeded all expectation, and we are truly proud to call this our first-ever ten-year-old Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.”
RRP: €89
Limited edition, exclusively available at Dublin and Cork Duty Free until the end of April.
Tasting notes:
Nose:
A warmth of roasted almond and hazelnut gives way to a light butterscotch, with underlying aromas of aged wood and golden honey.
Palate:
Decadently balanced between crisp fresh fruit, warm apple pie, distinctive pot-spice, and the subtle influence of the delectable Acacia casks to deliciously bringing everything together.
Finish:
Creamy Barra oats descend with lightly toasted caramel, and a swirl of delicate wood spice that endures to the very last drop. 10 Years worth waiting for.