A Welcome Warming Lunch at the Mill Food Truck in Blarney

A Welcome Warming Lunch at 

the Mill Food Truck in Blarney 

Korean Chicken Fries

After an energetic walk around the grounds of Blarney Castle, we were in the need of some warming food. We had intended to eat outdoors (there is another smaller café just inside the entrance) at the Coach House Café alongside the castle but the heavy showers ruled that out.

Here, they serve a variety of hot dishes, including an Irish Stew, soups, scones and sweet treats, some pre-made sandwiches and tea and coffee and they also have seats indoors.

The Coach House in Blarney Castle.

We headed on foot across the road to the Blarney Woollen Mils to check what was on offer there food wise. We knew they serve meals in Christy’s Bar and Grill and in the hotel’s Mill Restaurant, both very busy with busloads of visitors around. 

But it was a surprise to us to see the Mill Food Truck set up in a large fairly well covered outdoor area (see it here) at the front of the restaurant. Not too many there as we arrived but is was almost full when we departed 30 or 40 minutes later.

Pork and Fries

The truck is on duty daily from 12pm until 8.00pm and has quite a choice including Burgers, Fish, Chicken, a variety of fries (including Taco and Curry Cheese versions). And a short Kids Menu. All their beef is Irish.

With a bunch of crows watching hungrily from the side, we tucked into our dishes, each well priced at €9.95. There was a little dog there also, relaxing in a seat as his “master” enjoyed his food.

One of our picks was BBQ pulled pork fries. The pork along with Texas Bourbon BBQ sauce, Ruby Slaw and crispy fried onions was loaded on to a base of chips. The carton was packed to the top and it was a much bigger meal than expected, quite good too.

Our other choice was the Korean Chicken Fries. Buttermilk Fried Chicken Strips in a Spicy Korean Style Sauce, Toasted Peanuts and Cashews, Fresh Coriander, Pickled Red Onions and Sesame seeds were loaded into the carton. Took some eating, much more than the light lunch we had intended to find, but very enjoyable indeed.

Looking forward to meeting this quintet

When you enter, approach the truck, check the menu, make you choices, pay up and take the little “alarm” back to your table and you’ll soon hear it go off. Servers are very friendly and helpful.

A dog and his man!

We then had a quick look at the shop in the Mills itself, at least the part that sells spirits and beers (including the brews by Blarney Brewing). Great to see local producers supported in this way and the same continued in the whiskey section with the likes of Clonakilty, Teeling's, Midleton and West Cork featured. Treated myself to a five-pack of the West Cork Single Malt (50 ml), all different cask finishes.

* Amazing how many opportunities there are these days for “grab and go food”. On the following day in town we were on the lookout for something ready-for-lunch and found it at the Urban Pantry in Tesco Paul Street, a very tasty Lobster Roll by Ballycotton's Trawler Boyz. 

For dessert later on, the pick was the Tres Leches Cake by La Latina (familiar to those of you that frequent Douglas Famers Market). The dessert is just the job if you have a super-sweet tooth! Good to see the products of Timoleague’s Ummera Smoke House here and we bought one of their fabulous Smoked Chickens for the freezer.

Passed Blarney House on our walk. It opens for tours in peak season.

Visiting West Cork's renowned highlights? Schull's Harbour Hotel is a superb, comfortable, and central base.

Visiting West Cork's renowned highlights?

Schull's Harbour Hotel is a superb, comfortable, and central base. 

Outstanding chocolate dessert at Schull Harbour Hotel

Schull Harbour Hotel, superbly located right in the

Taste of the Week. Mella's Fudge and Irish Whiskey

Taste of the Week. 

Mella's Fudge and Irish Whiskey

Watch for pyrotechnics. When these two get together, sparks fly.

I got this tip sometime before Christmas but it took until the other day to try it out. Mainly because some regular outlets sold all their Mella's Fudge in the Christmas rush and they took a while to replenish.

Got the two together the other night, a cube of Mella's regular fudge and a wee dram of Clonakilty's Port Cask Finish Whiskey. What a combination! Amazing rapport between the two, each improves as they meld on the palate. Taste of the Week? No doubt about it!

And thanks to our local German baker Angela for the tip; she picked it up from a rustically inclined German podcast! You'll find her marvellous bread in the Coal Quay Market every Saturday and at her stall at St Lukes (by Henchy's) every Wednesday 12.00pm - 2.00pm.

Clonakilty Distillery knows how to finish! Taste of the Week

Clonakilty Distillery knows how to finish!

 Taste of the Week 

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Clonakilty Port Cask Finish 43.6%

The first member of the Clonakilty Cask Finish Series, this whiskey is finished in Port Casks from The Douro Valley at the distillery’s Atlantic Ocean warehouse.

Colour is a rich gold. The aromas speak of ripe peaches and vanilla. Very fruity on the palate, cherries and orange zest with a range of spices. Decent finish then with smooth spices prominent, lingering even more smoothly as the finalé approaches. 

The Port Cask is a blend of a 10-year-old triple distilled malt and an 8 year old grain. Excellent whiskey and very well priced and our Taste of the Week.

Perhaps you have heard of their Cask Keeper’s Club, a unique opportunity for the public to invest in their own cask of Clonakilty Distillery’s premium Single Pot Still new make spirit, which was legally declared Irish whiskey this year and will be released on sale to the public in three years after maturing in their ocean warehouse.

 

Perks of belonging to the Cask Keeper’s Club include:

 

• Permanent recognition at the distillery
• First option to purchase exclusive selected releases
• Participation at our annual club day to include dinner and special whiskey tastings
• Buy back option after 10 years
• 10% discount on all products at the distillery shop
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Clonakilty Distillery announces sustainability commitments. Read more here.

Clonakilty Distillery’s Port Cask whiskey and tuath glasses hamper. Father's Day gift sorted!

Clonakilty Distillery’s Port Cask whiskey

 and tuath glasses hamper.

Father's Day gift sorted!

If your dad is a whiskey fan – this hamper from Ireland’s maritime distillery – Clonakilty Distillery – is a great shout and comes in at a very reasonable €69.50 in addition to making dad’s day

 

The hamper features a bottle of their highly commended Port Cask Whiskey, which is a blend of a 10-year-old triple distilled malt and an 8 year old grain. It’s gently cut and finished in port casks imported from the Douro Valley in a process that adds a sweetness with spicy notes and creates a beautiful rich colour. In addition to the bottle, you’ll also get two of their branded Tuath glasses, perfect for the two of you to sit down and have a toast.

More on the offer here.

 

They’ve also got a great selection of accessories like hipflasks and coasters.

 

But if it’s something a little bit different you’re seeking – you can also invest in a cask for him through their Cask Keeper’s Club, a unique opportunity for the public to invest in their own cask of Clonakilty Distillery’s premium Single Pot Still new make spirit, which was legally declared Irish whiskey this year and will be released on sale to the public in three years after maturing in their ocean warehouse.

 

Other perks to the Cask Keeper’s Club include:

 

• Permanent recognition at the distillery
• First option to purchase exclusive selected releases
• Participation at our annual club day to include dinner and special whiskey tastings
• Buy back option after 10 years
• 10% discount on all products at our distillery shop

 

More info - Cask Keepers' Club - Clonakilty Distillery

media release

  

Barley to glass dream becomes a reality as Clonakilty officially has its own Irish whiskey

 press release

Barley to glass dream becomes a reality as Clonakilty officially has its own Irish whiskey

 

A big moment for Clonakilty Distillery founder
Michael Scully

 

Clonakilty Distillery are celebrating a significant business milestone this week as their own spirit legally became Irish whiskey, following a three-year wait since they filled their casks.

 

(As per legal Revenue requirements, Irish Whiskey must be matured for a minimum of three years and can be marketed with different maturities.)

 

Patiently maturing over the last three years in their Atlantic Ocean warehouse, the spirit was also distilled at the distillery in Clonakilty using their own copper pot stills.

 

To add a further local and Clonakilty connection, all the raw barley used within the distillation process was also from farmlands owned by the Distillery, in addition to neighbouring farms in the locality.

 

Clonakilty Distillery’s own whiskey has been much anticipated in the Irish whiskey community and within trade circles, having already won Best Irish New Make at the World Whiskies Awards in 2020.

 

Head Distiller Paul Corbett said that while this was in the pipeline for a number of years, it marked a significant turning point for the Distillery and the production of their own whiskey would solidify their position as one of Ireland’s leading distilleries.

 

He revealed the natural local surroundings of their Atlantic warehouse played a huge role in both the maturing and distillation process and were instrumental in creating a uniquely Clonakilty offering.

 

He said: “This Pot still Irish whiskey was triple distilled from a combination of locally grown raw barley and malt. Our stills with have long tall necks which produce an elegant spirit which help us to showcase the sweetness of the malt, as well as the spiciness of the barley and fruity flavours produced by the yeast.

 

“The spirit was then cut down to casking strength with mineral rich water from our well at our Atlantic Coast warehouse and laid to rest here for the last three years.  The warehouse is perched 200ft above the ocean and is exposed to persistent howling Atlantic winds.

 

“The ever-changing climate the casks are exposed to will increase our angel’s share and concentrate the flavours in our spirit creating a whiskey with an unmatched depth of character.

 

“We have a passion for innovation, and we strive to use only the best cask finishes for our whiskey, and this will be a brilliant addition to our current range of European Oak, Port, Bordeaux and Cognac casks,”  Mr Corbett concluded.

 

Founder of Clonakilty Distillery Michael Scully said he was delighted with this recent milestone, but added that the Distillery will continue to harness the flavours and allow them to mature for a further two years before releasing to the public:

 

Mr Scully said: We are delighted to have reached this three- year milestone for our single Irish pot still whiskey. The smoothness and intriguing flavour combination of fruit and spice is exactly as we wished for at this point in its development. This elegant whiskey will only get better, which is why we intend to wait for a further two years before release.

 

Whiskey fans can follow the journey and process of Clonakilty’s Single Pot Still through their social media channels – but can also buy a cask in advance through their Cask Keepers Club which allows buyers the unique opportunity to invest in their own cask of the premium Single Pot Still new make spirit, with further details on the website here - Cask Keepers' Club - Clonakilty Distillery

 

 

On top of the world - Double glory for Clonakilty Distillery at World Whiskies Awards

On top of the world - Double glory for Clonakilty Distillery at World Whiskies Awards

Ewan and the Clonakilty stills

 Ewan Paterson wins Best Visitor Experience Manager, while Clonakilty Small Batch Single Malt trumps again in World Whiskies Awards

 

 

It’s been a good start to 2022 for Clonakilty Distillery in terms of awards, and yesterday they continued their winning ways as they scooped two major awards at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards.

 

The maritime distillery trumped in two categories yesterday March 24^th – with Visitor Experience Manager Ewan Paterson winning the Best Visitor Experience Manager category, whilst their multi-award winning Clonakilty Small Batch Single Malt Whiskey added another accolade to its collection of silverware.

 

Speaking in relation to the award, Mr Paterson paid tribute to the wider Clonakilty Distillery team:

 

He said : “It is an absolute honour to receive this Icons of Whisky Award from Whisky Magazine. I would like to say thanks to the whole team at Clonakilty Distillery, management, production and the office team, who all make it possible for us to delight our visitors. I’m proud to work with the brilliant Visitor Experience Team who make my job a pleasure on a daily basis.”

 

He added: It’s been a challenging two years and I thank them all for their ongoing support and enthusiasm. Being part of the Clonakilty Distillery since we opened our doors in 2019 has been a wonderful journey and the future is very exciting!”

 

Clonakilty’s Small Batch Single Malt was the second award for the team on the night, coming up trumps in the Single Malt Small Batch Category.

 

To qualify for this award, a Single Cask Single Malt whiskey must have been disgorged and bottled without addition of any substance except water (for dilution to bottling strength) and/or spirit caramel. The vatting of two or more casks is not permitted at any point in the production process of a Single Cask Single Malt.

 

Head Distiller at Clonakilty Distillery Paul Corbett said the team was delighted to be recognized for their Clonakilty Small Batch Single Malt, which was in collaboration with O’Hara’s Brewery.

 

He said, “O’Hara’s brew exceptional beers and on nosing the casks before filling I knew we were going to be crafting something special. The resulting Clonakilty Small Batch Single Malt has a complex blend of chocolate, fruit and spice notes with a rich mouth-feel and we’re delighted it has been recognised on a global scale.”

 

Founder of Clonakilty Distillery Michael Scully also expressed his delight at the award wins and said the team were excited for a busy summer: 

 

“I am thrilled to see Ewan recognised today as the best Visitor Experience Manager, the team are incredibly proud of him, he plays a pivotal role at our Visitor Centre and if you’ve ever visited you will know that he goes above and beyond to ensure everyone that comes through the doors has the best possible experience that they can at Clonakilty Distillery.”

 

He added: “It is a testament to Paul and his team of distillers that our Clonakilty Small Batch Single Malt y has also been recognised at the awards today. We will legally be able to launch our own very first whiskey made from our distillery in May later this year, so it has been a great start to 2022 for us and we are really looking forward to a busy summer and autumn welcoming visitors back to our distillery tours.”

 

To keep up to date with all things Clonakilty Distillery, check out Clonakilty Distillery on Twitter @clondistillery, on Facebook @clonakiltydistillery and on Instagram @clonakiltydistillery For more information visit https://clonakiltydistillery.ie/

 

Clonakilty Distillery to donate €10 from gin and whiskey sales to Ukrainian Red Cross Appeal

Clonakilty Distillery to donate €10 from gin and whiskey sales to Ukrainian Red Cross Appeal

 

Clonakilty Distillery have announced that they will donate €10 from every bottle of gin and whiskey sold both online and in their physical store to the Ukrainian Red Cross Appeal from now until the close of March.

The company made the decision to support the Ukrainian Red Cross Appeal as they were keen to play their own part in raising funds for the charity appeal.

Clonakilty Distillery founder Michael Scully said of the decision:

“We stand behind the people of Ukraine in solidarity and we wanted to make our own contribution to supporting this appeal. So with that, for the remainder of March we will be donating €10 from each bottle of Minke Gin or any of our whiskey range sold either online or in our physical store in Clonakilty to the Ukrainian Red Cross appeal and will publish the funds raised through our social channels at the close of March.”

press release

Clonakilty Distillery adds further accolades to Whiskey and Vodka range at World Vodka and Whiskies Awards

Press release                                    

 Clonakilty Distillery adds further accolades to Whiskey and Vodka range at World Vodka and Whiskies Awards

 

Clonakilty Distillery has added another two awards to its growing collection of accolades after their Minke Vodka was named Best Irish Varietal Vodka at the recent World Vodka Awards, and their Clonakilty O’Hara’s Cask Finish Special wins in the Single Malt Small Batch category at the World Whiskies Awards 2022.

Their Minke Vodka came out on top following a series of judging rounds by a panel of leading distillers and experts from the vodka industry. 

The World Whiskey and Vodka Awards are global competitions that identify the best in all internationally recognised genres and promote premium quality vodka and whiskey to consumers and trade markets throughout the world.

Currently the number one spirit consumed in Ireland, vodka is a relatively new departure for the Clonakilty Distillery, who launched their whey-base spirit in 2020.

However, following its launch, Minke Vodka has made waves in the industry and the World Vodka Award is the second award the product has received over the last 12 months as it also scooped the Gold Award in the Smooth category at the Spirits Business Vodka Masters in 2021.

Judges at the awards revealed the criteria for the category which led Clonakilty Distillery to come out on top for their Minke Vodka,

They remarked: “The Varietal Vodka is awarded to a vodka that is intended to be enjoyed neat or in cocktails whereby a little character determined by the base ingredient is acceptable, sought after and relished. A pure, clear and clean vodka, but not necessarily neutral by any means. “

Meanwhile, their Clonakilty O’Hara’s Cask Finish Special Whiskey was also triumphant in the Single Malt Small Batch category, with a Single Malt Small Batch whiskey defined as a Single Malt whiskey produced using the contents of no more than 100 casks.

Head Distiller at Clonakilty Distillery Paul Corbett said they were delighted with the recognition for both products: 

He said : “ We are over the moon to have won a second award this week.  It’s a credit to the team here to be able to win awards in two different categories of spirits. We are delighted to have won best Irish varietal vodka.  A slow distillation process produces an exceptionally clean vodka while the use of a whey spirit base imparts a smooth velvet mouthfeel. As a result, Minke Vodka is perfect to enjoy neat or in a cocktail.

He added: “O’Hara’ s brew exceptional beers and on nosing the casks before filling I knew we were going to be crafting something special. The resulting single malt has a complex blend of chocolate, fruit and spice notes with a rich mouthfeel and we’re delighted it has been recognised too.”

Clonakilty Distillery’s Minke Vodka is currently available to purchase from Supervalu and Centra stores as well as from their online. Their Clonakilty O'Hara's Cask Finish Special is also available online.

https://clonakiltydistillery.digitickets.ie/products/252099 (RRP: €33.95)

https://clonakiltydistillery.digitickets.ie/products/293469?navItem=286273 (RRP: €57)

 

To keep up to date with all things Clonakilty Distillery, check out Clonakilty Distillery on Twitter @clondistillery, on Facebook @clonakiltydistillery and on Instagram @clonakiltydistillery For more information visit https://clonakiltydistillery.ie/

 

For more information on the World Vodka and Whiskies Awards, visit https://www.worldvodkaawards.com/

https://www.worlddrinksawards.com/

Clonakilty Distillery launch new Galley Head expression, a single malt.

press release

 Whiskey fans rejoice! Clonakilty Distillery launch new Galley Head expression as Whiskey sales expected to surge again for 2022

Paul Corbett, Head Distiller at Clonakilty Distillery

 

Pent-up demand on international export market means Irish distillery stocking up for Christmas

 

Today, Thursday October 28^th, marks a big day for Whiskey enthusiasts all across Ireland as Clonakilty Distillery launch their brand-new Single Malt whiskey which is the latest addition to their award-winning range of spirits.

 

The Galley Head expression represents a new departure for the Distillery as the brand sought to create a high-quality whiskey that was accessible in terms of price but still retained the quality and finish that Clonakilty Distillery has become renowned for amongst whiskey connoisseurs.

 

Matured and finished at their Atlantic Ocean Warehouse, Galley Head Single Malt represents a marriage of a re-shaved, re-toasted wine cask and Bordeaux red wine casks. Customers old and new will be able to enjoy aromas of cocoa and rich fruits which has flavours of dark chocolate, red berries and liquorice with a long finish of oak spices.

 

Clonakilty Distillery have said they are hopeful that this new release will provide a foundation on which they can continue and develop to grow their brand, in addition to attracting a range of new customers seeking to broaden their whiskey horizons.

 

The production and launch is also in anticipation of a return to strong whiskey sales on the international market once again.

 

A recent report published by the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) revealed that 96% of Irish whiskey sales have in the past been to markets outside of Ireland, and, pre-pandemic, exports were worth an estimated €890m across both the Republic and Northern Ireland.

 

The IWA report also stated 2020 sales for whiskey still exceeded expectations but suffered a decline largely due to a collapse of Irish whiskey sales in global travel retail as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

With international travel markets slowly reopening, it is expected that both sales and demand will both also return to pre-2020 levels.

The Galley Head expression will be available to buy from off-licences and Supervalu and Centra stores across Ireland, as well as the Celtic Whiskey Shop, priced at RRP €39.50. At 40% ABV, the 700ml can also be purchased online at www.clonakiltydistillery.ie.

 

Galley Head whiskey can be enjoyed neat, over ice or in a high-end whiskey cocktail.

 

Paul Corbett, Head Distiller at Clonakilty Distillery had this to say about the new whiskey, “We decided on single malt to produce a full flavoured, barley forward whiskey. We finished this single malt in two cask types, a re-shaved, re-toasted wine cask and a freshly disgorged Bordeaux red wine casks”.

 

“The rejuvenated wood imparts a caramel sweetness and complex spice to the whiskey while the fresh wine casks add a fruitiness that complements the cereal character of the malt,” he added.

 

The whiskey derives its inspiration from the Galley Head Lighthouse, which stands guard over the barley fields at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The Lighthouse, which was built in 1875, rises an imposing 53m above the roaring Wild Atlantic Ocean, just outside Clonakilty town.

 

The lighthouse is situated across the bay and can be seen from the warehouse where Galley Head whiskey is matured, finished, and bottled.

To keep up to date with all things Clonakilty Distillery, check out Clonakilty Distillery on Twitter @clondistillery, on Facebook @clonakiltydistillery and on Instagram @clonakiltydistillery.