The Whiskey Wire
(other spirits may appear!)
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press release
REDBREAST CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF REDBREAST 15 YEAR OLD WITH EXCLUSIVE CASK STRENGTH RELEASE
A bold new limited release brings amplified flavour and natural intensity
to a beloved Redbreast expression
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Redbreast, the world’s most awarded Single Pot Still Irish whiskey*, proudly announces the launch of Redbreast 15 Year Old Cask Strength — a powerful, small-batch release crafted to celebrate 20 years since Redbreast 15 Year Old was first introduced.
Redbreast 15 Year Old Cask Strength is bottled at its natural strength of 56.3% ABV and will be available exclusively via MidletonDistilleryCollection.
First released as a one-off bottling, Redbreast 15 Year Old was so well received that it was soon added permanently to the Redbreast family. 20 years on, this cask strength edition pays tribute to this milestone by intensifying the rich, distillate-driven style that fans have cherished for two decades.
Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry-seasoned casks, Redbreast 15 Year Old Cask Strength remains true to the signature Redbreast style, showcasing the bright and crisp citrus flavour notes, herbal undertones and a lively spice character alongside the familiar notes of dried fruits and toasted oak.
Speaking about the launch, Master Blender Dave McCabe says: “This release is a celebration of everything Redbreast 15 Year Old represents — heritage, craftsmanship, and character. Bottling it at natural cask strength allows the whiskey to fully showcase its complexity and vibrancy. Selecting 15 casks for this expression was a meaningful choice, connecting the whiskey’s age to its creation story."
He continued:
"In Redbreast’s world, each batch tells its own story. This limited edition gives fans the chance to experience the spirit of Redbreast 15 in a new way, while staying true to the style they know and love."
Master Blender Emeritus Billy Leighton adds: "When Redbreast 15 was first created it was intended to be a one-time release. Its overwhelming success led it to become a permanent part of our portfolio. This cask strength edition captures the spirit of that original moment — delivering a whiskey that is both deeply familiar and thrillingly new. It’s a bold tribute to our fans and a reminder that every batch, like every Redbreast, has its own unique personality."
Each bottle carries a batch stamp, marking its place as part of a single-release, one-off edition. Redbreast fans, who often celebrate the subtle differences between batches, will find much to discover in this rare expression.
This launch also harnesses Redbreast’s wider global brand campaign "Quite the Find", which celebrates the joy of discovering hidden gems — whether it’s an extraordinary whiskey or a rare story — a theme recently brought to life through Redbreast’s partnership with actor Andrew Scott and the Redbreast Unhidden short film award at the SXSW Film & TV Festival.
Redbreast 15 Year Old Cask Strength will be available from MidletonDistilleryCollection.
For more information visit MidletonDistilleryCollection.
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press release via Ballyvolane House
BERTHA FAREWELL 
Ten years on and Bertha is winding down. But will there be a kiss of life?
After 10 years of hard work, triumphs, disasters, giggles and tears Justin and Antony are sad to announce that the Ballyvolane House Spirits Company will be winding down at the end of May. We are hopeful that the Bertha’s Revenge brand will continue under new and energetic stewardship, but it will no longer be produced on site at Ballyvolane House, nor will Justin or Antony be at the helm.
We wish to thank all of our distribution partners at home and abroad, along with friends in the retail and hospitality trade for their support since we launched in 2015. A very special thank you is due to the fine, gin-drinking public from Ireland and abroad who engaged with us, flirted with the brand and fell in love with our gin named after a cow from Co. Kerry. From bar stools to kitchen tables, from intimate picnics in wild places to gleeful wedding celebrations, we could never have hoped that Bertha would resonate with so many people.
We do have limited stock of Bertha’s Revenge Gin and Bertha’s Revenge Sloe Gin. If interested in picking up a case or two please do email us at info@ballyvolanespirits.ie.
Also, if anyone is looking to acquire a much-loved quirky Irish gin brand with massive potential for growth, please do reach out.
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MIDLETON VERY RARE, THE PINNACLE OF IRISH WHISKEY, LAUNCHES 2025 VINTAGE
Six distillate styles unite to create a commemorative whiskey that honours Midleton Distillery’s 200-year legacy
Midleton Very Rare, the pinnacle of Irish Whiskey, is proud to unveil Midleton Very Rare 2025, an extraordinary blend of the finest single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys, spanning four decades. This year’s vintage is a testament to both tradition and innovation, expertly crafted to pay homage to Midleton Distillery’s 200th anniversary*.
Drawing on his extensive expertise in distillation and maturation, Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman led an exceptional team in creating Midleton Very Rare 2025. Their journey began with the careful selection of rare single pot still and single grain whiskeys from Midleton’s prestigious A2 Warehouse, an historic stone warehouse dating back to the 1860s, where the best performing whiskeys are set aside to mature.
In their pursuit of perfection, and for the first time in the collection’s history, the team identified six exquisite distillate styles, each representing generations of artisans who have shaped the Midleton Very Rare legacy. Masterfully blended, these distillates unite to create a whiskey of remarkable depth and complexity. This milestone release stands as testament to Midleton Very Rare unwavering craftsmanship, visionary spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of Irish whiskey excellence, an ethos that has stood at the core of the distillery since its very inception.
*Midleton Distillery was founded in 1825
Unique to the 2025 vintage, O’Gorman hand selected three styles of grain whiskey for inclusion. Alongside Midleton’s signature grain whiskey, he included a 22-Year-Old select batch special grain whiskey, crafted from a mash bill of barley and malted barley, which was blended with an equally rare 21 Year-Old grain whiskey. Both matured in refill ex- American whiskey oak barrels, allowing the luscious sweetness and rich butterscotch notes of the distillate to shine through.
Midleton Very Rare 2025 also features an increased pot still contribution, adding an intricate layer of complexity with deep spice and stone fruit notes, beautifully complementing the notes of sweet toffee, butterscotch, gentle floral and cut grass nuances of the grain whiskey. After meticulous blending, the team created three initial prototypes. Following a series of delicate refinements, enhancing the contribution of pot still whiskey aged in first fill barrels brought the final expression into perfect harmony. The result is an exquisitely complex whiskey with a well-balanced finish, one that stays true to the Midleton Very Rare profile while introducing a subtle yet defining twist for this year’s vintage.
Celebrating the launch of Midleton Very Rare 2025, Kevin O’Gorman shares:
"As we celebrate 200 years of whiskey making excellence at Midleton Distillery it is a true honour to craft a vintage that commemorates this remarkable legacy. Midleton Very Rare 2025 is a whiskey of depth and balance, meticulously composed from six distinct distillate styles, each representing generations of mastery, innovation, and dedication that have become synonymous with Midleton Very Rare. This milestone release not only pays tribute to the past but also looks to the future. As we honour this historic occasion, my team and I remain committed to laying down more extraordinary whiskeys that will continue to shape and inspire the Midleton Very Rare legacy for the next 200 years and beyond.”
Housed in a beautifully crafted, fully recyclable* gift box, the Midleton Very Rare 2025 bottle is adorned with elegant details, including an illustration of Midleton Distillery, its iconic pot stills, and a commemorative stamp marking the distillery’s historic 200th anniversary.
Midleton Very Rare 2025 was bottled at 40% ABV and will be available from 15th April, initially in Ireland, the USA, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Australia, Irish and global travel retail and Irish Distillers’ brand homes at the RRP of €240, $350, £220, and in additional markets later in 2025.
press release
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Kinsale 21 Gin 40% ABV.
Each drop is a sensation! Also a standout in cocktails
Widely available at about €40.00
Kinsale Gin is a prize-winning spirit featuring an impressive blend of 21 botanicals. According to the makers, "We go the extra mile to hand-pick local botanicals to achieve complete perfection. Each of our treasured 21 botanicals has been carefully chosen to contribute something extraordinary to our gin. We gather them seasonally and responsibly, ensuring enough is left for local wildlife and promoting future growth."
I have loved this gin for quite a while. It is fresh and captures the essence of the open countryside, which is not surprising since many of the 21 botanicals are foraged from the local area. When you don't overwhelm the essential spirit with too much tonic or excessive mixers, you'll notice beautiful notes of juniper, alongside the floral hints of meadowsweet, elderflower, and elderberries, complemented by the exotic aromas of lemon verbena and lemon geranium. They describe it as: “The sweetness from the
elderflower combined with the bitterness of our juniper berries creates a balanced yet exquisite explosion.”The intriguing and unusual botanicals highlight Kinsale Gin's complex personality. It is very versatile, perfect for a gin and tonic or your favourite gin-based cocktail. This was the verdict from the Bartender Spirit Awards 2020, where Kinsale Gin exceeded expectations in the USA, winning gold in three categories. While it is indeed complex, this gin remains very approachable. It comes highly recommended.
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| A couple of Kinsale Gin cocktails from Sullys, a new Cork restaurant alongside Sober Lane pub. Above is a Clover Club (KINSALE GIN, MARTINI DRY, LEMON, EGG, RASPBERRY). Below is a favourite of mine, the classic Negroni (KINSALE GIN, SWEET VERMOUTH, CAMPARI) |
Kinsale Gin is produced by Cork’s Kinsale Spirit Company, co-founded by Ernest Cantillon, Colin Ross, and Tom O’Riordan, all of whom have extensive experience in the hospitality and beverage sectors, either currently or formerly working as publicans. Their portfolio also includes the ‘Battle of Kinsale’ whiskeys.
Kinsale Gin had promising prospects right from the start. The legendary off-licence Bradleys Cork took the first 100 bottles in 2016, and within a week, all of them were sold. By 2021, Bradleys would help the gin reach the milestone of selling the 100,000th bottle. Michael Creedon of Bradleys shared, "It’s important for us to stock the best quality products from the Cork region – a gin distilled using botanicals hand-picked around Kinsale? You can’t beat it."
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Ireland's Fercullen 15, from The Powerscourt Distillery,
Crowned World's Best Grain at World Whiskies Awards
Powerscourt Distillery is delighted to announce a major achievement: its Fercullen 15 Single Grain Whiskey was awarded the title of World’s Best Grain at the World Whiskies Awards Global final in London last night, March 26 th 2025.
This win represents a significant milestone for Powerscourt Distillery. Having secured the title of Ireland’s Best Grain Whiskey in Dublin in February this year, Fercullen 15 progressed to the global stage, competing against the best regional grain whiskies from around the world. To emerge victorious and claim the World’s Best Grain title is a powerful recognition of the exceptional quality and craftsmanship invested in Fercullen.
This prestigious award is more than just an accolade; it is global acknowledgement of the dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence demonstrated by everyone at Powerscourt Distillery. The Fercullen 15 Year Old Single Grain Whiskey, celebrated for its distinctive flavour, remarkable smoothness, and outstanding quality, now stands as the world’s best – a testament to the distillery's mastery. This win elevates Fercullen and Powerscourt Distillery to a leading position in the whiskey industry, thus confirming the Wicklow-based Distillery amongst the finest in the world.
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Master Distiller Paul Corbett expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, "Winning this award is a significant milestone for Fercullen. It reflects our commitment to excellence and our passion for producing world-class whiskey. We are honoured to be recognised on such a prestigious platform and are excited to continue sharing our exceptional whiskey with the world."
Head of Brand and recent Hall of Fame inductee, John Cashman added, “Grain whiskey is an often-underrated style of Irish whiskey, its softer notes and general sweet tones appeal to a wide audience and lends itself to finishing in exceptional casks like the Madeira we selected for this release. We are thrilled to be named Best in the World”.
The World Whiskies Awards is renowned for its rigorous judging process, which includes blind tastings by a panel of industry experts. This award highlights Fercullen's dedication to maintaining the highest standards in whiskey production and our unwavering commitment to quality.
For more information about Powerscourt Distillery and its award-winning whiskeys, visit www.powerscourtdistillery.com
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press release
JAMESON IRISH WHISKEY UNVEILS NEW JAMESON TRIPLE TRIPLE MARSALA CASK EDITION
Triple distilled and triple cask matured, the world’s most awarded whiskey* introduces a Sicilian twist to the Jameson family, exclusive to Global Travel Retail
Jameson, the world’s most awarded* and bestselling Irish whiskey, is delighted to introduce its latest travel retail exclusive to the family, Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask Edition.
Offering a fresh take on the classic Jameson style, this limited release features hand-selected Marsala casks from Trapani, Sicily for the first time in a Jameson expression, resulting in a whiskey so smooth that it must be a Jameson.
Building on the success of the Jameson Triple Triple range – including Málaga Cask Edition and the more recent Chestnut Cask Edition – this new, limited-release is matured in a combination of Bourbon barrels, Oloroso Sherry casks, and now Marsala casks, delivering a rich depth of flavour and an extra drop of smoothness, perfect for whiskey-curious travellers.
Crafted from American white oak, known for its contribution of sweet vanilla and clove spice notes, these Marsala casks are hand-selected from the renowned Florio Winery in Sicily. They are then seasoned with Marsala wine for two to three years, absorbing rich flavours of apricot, toffee apple, walnut and woodland spices. These freshly emptied casks are then transported to Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland, where they meet Jameson's triple-distilled whiskey, adding a layer of exciting complexity to the final result.
Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman comments: “This limited release of Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask Edition is a wonderful example of how we continue to innovate while staying true to our tradition of triple distillation and meticulous cask selection at Midleton Distillery. This expression provides a unique opportunity to showcase the rich flavour contribution from these exceptional casks within the Jameson family, and we are excited for everyone to try it.”
This latest addition to the Jameson family highlights the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship while offering travellers a unique connection to Sicily. Bringing a fresh perspective to Jameson’s triple cask maturation process with its rich history and distinct character, Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask Edition will be available for a limited time, making it the perfect excuse to book that new adventure.
Bottled at 40% ABV, Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask Edition is available exclusively in global travel retail, with an RRP of $45.50 / €39.50 / £37.
Explore online here: Midleton Distillery Collection
Tasting notes:
Nose: Fresh and vibrant fruit led aromas including dried apricot, banana, and kiwi while woodland spices and hints of walnut add further depth and flavour, complementing the sweet vanilla and caramelised brown sugar.
Taste: Rich and full with notes of toffee apple, vanilla, and chocolate dipped walnuts, accompanied by notes of exotic fruits with a subtle hint of ginger spice. The oak’s soft tannins work in balance with the fruits and spices, creating a wonderfully balanced whiskey.
Finish: Lasting finish in which the fruits and oak are the first to fade, allowing the gentle spices linger until the very end.
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Redbreast 12 Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV
Sip into the heritage of Irish whiskey
Redbreast 12, a delightful and much praised Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, has complex spicy and fruity aromas with toasted wood notes evident. On the palate, it is fully flavoured and complex, silky smooth with a harmonious balance of spicy, fruity, sherry and toasted notes. And those flavours linger long in the aftertaste. Its time spent maturing in Spanish oak Oloroso sherry butts has enhanced its colour, aromatics and flavours.
A terrific sipping whiskey, it’s a popular choice for whiskey enthusiasts and is considered one of the best examples of the Irish pot still tradition, and, as you’d expect, it is widely available. My glass in The Canopy (Castlemartyr Resort) cost €12.50. Midleton Distillery sells it for €70.00 per 700 ml bottle, and it is also available online.
By the way, did you know that the tour of Midleton Dfistillery (where Redbreast is produced) has been much revamped in recent years. So if you’d like to taste Redbreast and other famous whiskeys at source, you can get all the info you need here.
Very Highly Recommended.
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Killowen Rum & Raisin Single Malt Irish Whiskey 55% ABV
“A stellar release from Killowen Distillery” (Celtic Whiskey)
Sourced Bradleys Hip Flask Club. Generally available £56 (€67.45).
Using inputs from sunny Jerez in Spain and the equally sunny islands of the Caribean, the little Killowen distillery worked their acknowledged mastery (with their renowned worm tub condensers doing its business, as always) in a less than sunny island to produce this Rum and Raisin, a minor masterpiece of Irish Whiskey.
The casks included were Bourbon for ageing, the finish applied in Dark Rum Casks and PX sherry casks. The influential malt, sourced from the neighbouring GND County Louth, engaged superbly with Sherry flavours of dried fruits and raisins and the tropical elements of the rum.
Those dried fruits and the rum notes get to star in a smooth, velvety texture. It is quite complex in terms of aromas and flavours. It can be enjoyed neat - add a few (yes, a few) drops of water, as ABV is 55%. Mixologists seeking to add something different to their creations have cottoned on to it, and you'll find it in a variety of serves.
All this from what has been called Ireland’s smallest distillery, one that you may visit in its scenic location in the Mourne Mountains. Read more here. Brendan Carty of Killowen Distillery will be in Cork next month for the Cork Whiskey Festival. Read more, including tickets, here.
Very Highly Recommended
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Chivas Regal Extra 13 Sherry Cask Selection
40% ABV
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Chivas Regal Extra 13 Sherry Cask Selection is a premium Scotch whisky that is known for its rich and complex flavour profile. Colour, aroma, and flavour have been enhanced by its time in Oloroso sherry casks, and its character has improved with depth and sweetness.
In the mouth, you sense notes of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, the influence of sherry casks giving toffee, butterscotch, and dark chocolate. The finish is smooth and lingering, with a warm sweetness that invites additional sips. There are also notes of the traditional peat but nothing extreme. This is a very balanced whiskey, very drinkable indeed.
Chivas Regal pairs well with various mixers, but it can also be enjoyed neat. For a classic option, consider adding a splash of water or serving it on the rocks to fully appreciate its flavours. Alternatively, you can experiment with ginger ale or soda water. Another delightful way to enjoy Chivas Regal is in a classic cocktail like The Godfather, especially if crafted with Joe’s Amaretto.
While it's excellent neat or on the rocks, it can also be included in cocktails that benefit from its rich flavours. I recently enjoyed it in a Godfather cocktail with Joe’s Amaretto.
Back in the 19th century, John and James Chivas were always pushing the boundaries of what was expected. In their Aberdeen Emporium, they imported different spirits and spices from across the globe, fascinated by a world of flavour. This Chivas Extra 13 Sherry Cask Selection is a rich yet sweet whisky that adds a deeper layer of flavour to the luxurious Chivas house style, continuing the spirit of that 19th-century Emporium. Please note that this Sherry Cask is just one of a portfolio of differently finished Chivas 13.
Highly Recommended
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Mitchell’s Green Spot Leoville Barton Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey 46% ABV
A special edition that sees Green Spot hit greater heights
Widely available at about €75.00 per bottle
(Bought mine flask full via Bradley's Hip Flask club)
A unique limited release that won gold in the Irish Whiskey Masters in 2021, 2022, and 2023! Green Spot Chateau Léoville Barton was initially matured in traditional sherry and bourbon casks and then finished in the Bordeaux winery’s oak casks, adding an exciting new dimension to this Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey already renowned for its excellent quality.
Indeed, that oak influence, while never overly bearing, may be noted in the aromas, flavours and finish of this marvellous whiskey. The basic Green Spot itself is a favourite here, and this edition takes it to a stellar level.
In June 2015, the Château partnered with Irish Distillers Midleton Distillery and Dublin-based Wine and Whiskey Merchants Mitchell and Son to create a Bordeaux wine finished expression of the iconic Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.
Mitchells are part of Irish whiskey history while and the Château Léoville-Barton has made its mark on the Bordeaux wine story. Their 2015 collaboration here has been hugely successful with this edition winning World’s Best Single Pot Still Whiskey (at the World Whiskies Awards). Today, the Château is managed by Anthony and Lilian Barton, descendants of the pioneering ‘Wine Geese’ winemaker Thomas Barton, who established his legacy in 1725.
Very Highly Recommended
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BLACKWATER IRISH WHISKY ‘THE FULL IRISH’ 48.5% alc/vol, 50cl bottle, Limited Edition. €55.00
Head Distiller John Wilcox says: ‘refined, complex and bold.’
“This blend contains every permissible grain (barley, malt, wheat, oat, rye and maize), and it shows in the aromas and in the mouth, a serial (excuse the pin) and beautiful contact with the senses. And this Blackwater blend also looks well, in its shiny foxy robe. With the elevated ABV, a drop or two of water will work its usual magic.
No wonder it has been collecting accolades since its launch in 2024.
Quite possibly one of the finest blended Irish whiskeys I’ve ever been lucky enough to try. …A bold and rather brilliant release from the Blackwater Team.’ Business Post
‘One of the most interesting whiskeys unveiled at Whiskey Live 2024. This release … showcases the 3 styles of Irish whiskey .…’ Irish Whiskey Magazine
Blackwater themselves say: This blend rocks. What’s in the bottle? 45% Blackwater produced single malt, 45% Blackwater produced pot still (both five years old) and 10% seven-year-old grain whiskies, finished in stout casks from local Hopfully Brewing Company.”
As with all Blackwater products, it’s not chill-filtered or coloured. Aged in bourbon barrels before finishing in the Hopfully casks. It is a limited edition.
Very Highly Recommended
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