The Whiskey Bulletin. Review of new West Cork 7-year Single Malt plus news from Powerscourt, Cork Whiskey Fest,Blackwater Distillery, Killowen

New Whiskey Review

Plus news from Powerscourt, Cork Whiskey Fest,Blackwater Distillery, Killowen

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West Cork 7 Year Single Malt 46% ABV

Chalk this down as another good one from the West Cork Distillery in Skibbereen.

This, one of the darker ones, has quite an inviting nose, subtle notes of almond and red berries. It boasts a marvellous palate, really easy to enjoy, packed with agreeable fruit sensations (including citrus and almond), hints too of its years in sherry cask, smooth malt and just a little, if lively, spice. And there’s no let-up, nor let down either, in the long and pleasant finish. An immediate thumbs up for this smooth fruity whiskey from the west which was finished in bourbon casks.

Expect to pay around €60.00 

This is the first aged Pot Still from Ireland's largest independent distillery! West Cork Distillers was formed in 2003 by childhood friends, John O’Connell (left), Ger McCarthy and Denis McCarthy at a time when it made very little economic sense to do so. "The early years were far from glamorous, operating in a room at the back of Denis’s house in Union Hall with two small stills we bought from a schnapps producer in Switzerland. In 2014 we moved to a new distillery in Skibbereen

We currently operate out of a 12.5 acre site on Marsh Road.... With distributors across the globe, our award winning West Cork Irish Whiskey is now sold in almost 70 countries. Case sales have risen considerably every year for the past six years and our staff has grown to over 80 people, with the majority based locally in West Cork.

We want to make Irish whiskey accessible. We will continue to expand our operation but maintain our Irish ownership and stay true to our West Cork heritage. The opening of the new distillery makes us the largest, wholly Irish owned distillery in the country. Meanwhile, more jobs, new products and additional warehouses are being added to meet rising demand."

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press releases

And they have other tempting options also.

More info here

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press release

Cork Whiskey Fest

BLACKWATER DISTILLERY MASTERCLASS

WHEN: SATURDAY MARCH 25, 2023 @12:00PM WHERE:CORK CITY'S VICTORIAN QUARTER More details here ************** press release Killowen Distillery have nurtured many different expressions of poitín since their first days of distilling, unfortunately these beautiful products are too often in short supply. Thankfully Killowen have now created a core product in larger 70cl bottles, most fitting of the current poitín revival.   ‘Pangur – The White Cat’ is fun, dynamic, colourful and versatile with flavours spanning from sophisticated whiskey aromas to beautiful mescal notes, this poitín is a fitting response to Ireland’s unique, culinary beverage. As whiskey’s mummy, this is a beverage category we should all be very proud of. Pangur draws its inspiration from the fun ancient poem ‘Pangur Ban’ written by a man from here, on a remote German island in the 9th Century about his relationship with his little furry friend - we will let you guys enjoy the fun history search.   Pangur is a 50/50 combination of two spirits, one from either side of Carlingford Lough, the combination offers both potstill spice and notes of mescal creating a beautiful spirit perfectly suited for finishing in some well sourced oak in Killowen Distillery.   The three Pangurs we have include:  Bourbon wood rested offers notes of citrus fruit, and similar to mescal a hint of smoke and light earthiness Stout wood rested offers some of the above but this time with chocolate, creamy and a silky texture PX wood rested dried fruit notes of fig and raisin layered on top of the afore mentioned citrus Just to note: current legislation forbids the mention of the words ‘cask’ or ‘ageing’ in marketing material for our native spirit poitín, something we hope will change in the future. Pangur is currently being released into the wild this week onwards, just ask any quality local off licenses North or South to get a bottle in stock, it will also be available from our online partners. RRP: €48.95 & £39.95 **************

Imperial's Grinchmas Getaway package. Casey's Teddy Bear charity appeal. Aware Charity 5k walk. Christmas at Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny

Something for everyone...

A Grinch takeover with luxurious decorations, cocktails and afternoon tea at Cork’s Imperial Hotel, a Teddy bear charity appeal from Casey’s Furniture, calling all dashers, dancers and prancers for the Aware Charity 5k walk, and the ultimate family Christmas hotel stay at Newpark, Kilkenny.

Images for all experiences are available for use here.

• If you love ‘The Grinch who Stole Christmas’ , then a trip to Cork’s historic Imperial Hotel is a must!

Cork’s luxury boutique Imperial Hotel is set to stand out from the crowd this Christmas as they have undergone a festive makeover from none other than ‘The Grinch’ himself! The historic hotel on Cork’s South Mall is daring to be different and opting for whimsical, theatrical, and luxurious décor with flourishes of Grinch green and candy canes to bring some extra festive magic this Christmas.

Embracing a playful take on a Cork Christmas, the exterior of the hotel has also undergone a temporary rebrand to ‘The Imperial WHOtel’ in a nod to the village where the Grinch grew up. They also have Grinch themed afternoon teas, signature cocktails, guest room amenities, Instagramable moments and more! Make a break for the Imperial with the Grinchmas Getaway package priced from €235 per Who for two nights bed & breakfast with a three-course dinner in Sketch on an evening of your choice with a sumptuous birdcage breakfast each morning.

See www.imperialhotelcork.com for more

Wake up in the Marble City. Kilkenny sunrise.

Have you ever considering making a break for it with the family at Christmas?

• With mid-week breaks and residential Christmas packages you can experience Winter Magic at Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny

Looking for a festive break with all the trimmings this winter? The award-winning Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny is a perfect base to experience the ultimate seasonal break in the Marble City.

The Newpark ho-ho-ho-tel team offer a truly magical Christmas break with family and friends. Checking in on the 23^rd of December you can enjoy a 2-, 3- or 4-night package designed to offer the ultimate Christmas celebration.

Newpark Hotel Kilkenny also offers the ultimate Winter Midweek break with prices starting at €234 for 2 night stay when booking our Linger for Longer Package, stay 2 nights midweek & save 10%

For Christmas residential packages staying from 23rd December two night stay (which includes all your festive dining and entertainment) is from €599pps; newparkhotelkilkenny.com 

For more visit www.NewparkHotelhotelkilkenny.com or www.newparkhotelkilkenny.com/christmas-breaks.html

Get a feelgood factor by supporting a good cause this Christmas…

• Casey’s will sell their classic ‘Casey Bedtime Bear’ in store and online during the festive season will 100% of proceeds going for the local good cause 

Casey’s Furniture launched their Christmas Appeal, to help give back to the local community, in true Christmas spirit.

The furniture retailer is selling their signature Casey’s Bedtime Bear in their Limerick and Cork stores and online for the festive season with 100% of proceeds going to children’s hospital wards in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) and Cork University Hospital (CUH).

The super-soft high quality teddy bear will retail for just €10/ Dressed in adorable vintage blue and white striped pyjamas, it’s the perfect chance to give a cute gift this Christmas while making a difference. 

For more see caseys.ie.

Look after Yours’elf’ this Christmas and help others in their community….

Why not do something to support your own well-being whilst helping people impacted by depression and bipolar disorder by taking part in the 17^th annual Aware Christmas 5K.

From Friday 9^th to Sunday 11^th December, people all over the country are being encouraged to come together physically or virtually to be part of this fun, festive and healthy event to support Aware’s vital services.

You can walk, jog, run or hike in your favourite 5k route anywhere in the country at a time of your choice over the event weekend, and share your efforts and your support on social media using the hashtag #WeAreAware. Those who want to get into the festive spirit of the Aware Christmas 5K are encouraged to dress up

Online registration is now open at aware.ie/christmas5K  at a cost of €25 per person. Each participant will receive a custom medal that doubles as a Christmas tree decoration and a treat from event sponsor Cadbury.

If you are impacted by depression, bipolar disorder or other mood related conditions, you can contact Aware’s free support line 7 days a week from 10am to 10pm on 1800 80 48 48.

For more information on Aware or to register for their 2022 virtual Christmas 5K fundraiser, visit aware.ie/christmas5k. #WeAreAware

press release

The Best of Delicious Dishes 2022. Starters. Fish. Meat. Dessert. Mobile. Ethnic.

 The Best of

 Delicious Dishes

 2022

(up to 09.12.22)

Sole Paupiettes (with Sauce Vin Blanc) at The Mad Monk by Quinlans Killarney

Starters

Glenmar Salmon Gravlax, Toasted Almond Milk, Parsley, Pickled Red Onion, Crispy Capers at Greenes

Portmagee Crab Bake at The Mad Monk by Quinlans Killarney

Turbot Ceviche, Cucumber, Yuzu, Pickled Chilli, Vietnamese Coriander at Pigalle Kitchen 

Sea Trout, Pea, cucumber, wasabi, and herring roe by The Old Bank, Dungarvan.

French Onion Soup at Finín's Midleton

Fish

Halibut at Cush

Bunnyconnellan's Pan fried Monkfish, Butter Bok Choi, Baby Potatoes, Mussel Butter Sauce.

Halibut “Grenobloise" at CUSH

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Sole Paupiettes (with Sauce Vin Blanc) at The Mad Monk by Quinlans Killarney

Turbot and Scallop Special at O'Mahony's Watergrasshill

Monkfish, saffron and mussel sauce and lobster curry foam at The Glass Curtain 

Meat

Wagyu Beef Blade & Brisket with Garryhinch mushrooms Kingdom 1795

Aged Striploin (Wagyu Dexter cross) with Ottoman Spiced Firik Risotto at Dede Baltimore

Sika Deer, Cromane Mussels and Roasted Celeriac at Rare Kinsale

Skeaghanore Duck Breast (medium rare), with Carrot, Braised Endives, and Jus and more Greenes

Pork Chop with braised courgettes, trotter sauce,  a side of smoked potatoes Sage

Ballea Lamb, Marquez Sausage, Aubergine, Smoked Beetroots, and Velvet Cloud Sheep’s Yoghurt at Pigalle Kitchen

Non-meat/non-fish

Fried Courgette Flowers, Ricotta, Green Mayonnaise & Tomato at 51 Cornmarket

Risotto with Garryhinch Mushrooms (organic), Ardsallagh Goats Cheese, and Toasted Hazelnuts at Farmgate Café Cork City

Dessert

Sweet from the Bookshelf

Sandwich of meadowsweet namelaka and strawberry cremeux at The Bookshelf

Red Mulberry Vacherin at Dede Baltimore

Caramelised Apple terrine, Killahora Pom'O Sorbet at Herbert Room, Cahernane House

Chocolate and coffee cremeux  Glass Curtain

Peach JohnnyCakes at Liberty Grill

Lunch

Hash Royal featuring Goatsbridge Trout with Potato, Poached Egg and Hollandaise sauce at Sketch

Chicken & Bacon Salad at The Granary Foodstore & Café Midleton

Seared Steak Sandwich The Oliver Plunkett

Korean bulgogi steak sandwich Market Lane

Seared beef salad (vodka and chilli marinated fillet strips, chargrilled on leaves with balsamic onions, rustic potatoes, red peppers and toasted pecans) Liberty Grill

Bourguignon Beef Baguette: Braised Beef Brisket, Mushrooms, Bacon and Pearl Onions on Toasted Arbutus Baguette with Red Wine Jus -- at On The Pig's Back

Ethnic

Koto's Teriyaki Chicken stir fry

Fudi Blackpool Satay Stir Fry

Café Mexicana Veracruz: hakein sauce of tomatoes, olives, capers and mild peppers, served with rice and salad garnish. 

Rigatoni with Ragu Napoletano with six-hour braised beef in an onion and tomato sauce served with rigatoni pasta and bruschetta at Bella Napoli

Markets & Mobile

Taylor's of Cork New Jersey Roll at Marina Market

Nua Asador's Picanha Steak at Marina Market

Sicilian Delights Parmigiana at Marina Market

Gidi's The Whole Shebang." Kinsale beef and lamb, spiced and barbequed, with a salad of green leaves, tomatoes and basil dressed with mint, yogurt and zhoug, all packed into a pitta, with a hint of chilli. At Ballymaloe May Fair

Woodside Farm Market Stall. Best of Burgers and Buns

Brownie from Sourdough baker Angela Nöthings at St Luke's Cross, Saturdays 10am - 12.00pm Insta: ryes.and.shine.cork Website here

Poulet Vous: The Original: Korean Fried Chicken, fries, Kimchi Mayo, Shredduce (what language is that?😉) and house pickles in a golden pitta bread with sesame and chive. 

Arancini Mozzarella and Spinach with Mozzarelline at Moby Fish

Books (because man does not live by bread alone):

Still Life by Sarah Winman.

Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow

1000 Years Of Joys And Sorrows by Ai Wei Wei

The Big Beer Reveal! 2022 My Favourite Beers This Year. Two tie at the top!

The Big Beer Reveal!

2022 My Favourite Beers This Year

The Top Four

1 -  Wicklow Wolf Locavore Spring Barrel Aged Farmhouse Ale

   -  Wide Street Coolship Spontaneously Fermented Ale

3 -  Kinnegar Rustbucket Rye IPA

4 -  Bradleys with Dot Nice One IPA

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Next, in no particular order (all good!) are:

Lineman Schadenfreude Schwarzbier

Wicklow Wolf Mescan Wit or Without You Belgian Wit

Whiplash Dry the Rain Double Decoction Dunkel

Wicklow Wolf Locavore Summer 2022 Foraged Elderflower Saison

Whiplash True Love Waits Dry Hopped Pils

12 Acres Pale Ale

Lough Gill If I was in LA Californian IPA

Lough Gill Mac Nutty Macadamia Nut

Wicklow Wolf  “Apex Cherry” Black Cherry Oatmeal Stout.

Hope Limited Edition 26 Born To Be Free Amber Lager

Whitefield “Eastwood” Pale Ale

Hope Limited Edition No. 27 Munich Helles

Others to note

Session: Third Barrel Day Drinking Part Deux Citra Strata; Kinnegar Brewers at Play #24 Summer Ale; Lough Gill Mo Chara Hazy Seisiún; Boundary Love is Here Hoppy Table Beer Pale Ale; Boundary Trees We Didn’t Plant Pale Ale; Blacks The Session Pink Grapefruit IPA; Porterhouse Sundown Session IPA; Session: Whitefield Brewery “Woodville” Session Pale Ale 4.3%. No shortage of choice here. We are inclined to go for Whiplash Rollover but none of the others here will let you down.

Red Ale: Galway Bay Bay Ale Red Ale; Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Ale; Clonakilty Foxy Red Ale; Cotton Ball Red Velvet.

Gose: Lough Gill Wild Irish Gose; Kinnegar Brewers at Play 23 Mango Gose; Dot Brew When the Going Gets Gose;

Stout: Lynch’s Stout by the Cotton Ball; West Cork Stout X Stout West.

Brown Ale: Lineman Big Calm; Whiplash Smoke Stack Lightnin’ Oaked & Smoked 

Marzen: Kinnegar Leaf Kicker 2022 Marzen

Porter:Brehon Shanco Dubh Porter

Oatmeal IPA: Galway Bay Goodbye Blue Monday

Kolsch: Rye River (collab. with Old Street) Die Hundstage Köter Kölsch

Hopfenweisse: Wicklow Wolf Jeff Bezos

Weizenbock: Whitefield The Viscount Weizenbock 7.5% 

Black IPA: Rascals Rude Girl Black IPA

BA Stout: Bradleys & Dot Brew Shady Dealings

Milk Stout: Trouble Brewing Nocturne Milk Stout

Smoked Porter: Whitefield Old Smoke Smoked Porter; 

Bitter: West Cork Baltimore Bitter

Barleywine: Brehon Brewhouse Red Right Hand Barley Wine Beer

Brewery of the Year: Wicklow Wolf

Cider Corner

Cider: Cockagee Irish Keeved Cider 5% Simply outstanding

Ciders to note: Killahora Bottle Conditioned Dry Bittersweet Cider 2019, 5.9%, 750ml (champagne style) bottle; Longueville House Cider 5.9%; Longways Medium Sweet Elderflower Cider.

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Craft on Draught:

The Maritime, Bantry: 9 White Deer Kölsch

The Lake, Killarney: Ale and Lager by Killarney Brewing Co.

Merry’s, Dungarvan: Wicklow Wolf Ale and more

The Shelbourne, Cork: Beamish and more

The Cotton Ball, Cork: Lynch’s Stout, Indian summer and more

Mellet’s Emporium, Swinford: Reel Deel Jack the Lad, Mescan Seven Virtues Lager.

Keenan’s, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon: White Hag Little Fawn; Kinnegar’s Scraggy Bay.

Finín’s Midleton: Black’s KPA

Franciscan Well: Original 7 Weisse and more

Elbow Lane: Angel Stout and more

The Mad Monk by Quinlan’s, Killarney: Killarney’s Casey Brothers Extra Stout and Golden Spear Blonde

Castlerosse Hotel Bar, Killarney:  Killarney’s Golden Spear Blonde

Celtic Whiskey & Larder, Killarney: Tom Crean St Brigid’s Lager and Rascals Black Horse Stout 4.4% and more

Café Pigalle Cork: White Hag’s Atlantean NEIPA (also White Hag lager)

Blairs Inn Cloghroe, Co. Cork: 9 White Deer Stout and Kolsch

Killarney’s Friendly Earls Court House Hotel

Killarney’s Friendly Earls Court House Hotel

It was raining when we arrived at our Killarney hotel but soon there was a warm cheering welcome from the receptionist.

Didn’t know much about Earls Court Hotel when we booked it for an overnight stay. But it was close to the town centre and also close to the venue for a family wedding.

Breakfast

Our room was quite spacious and looked well maintained if a bit old-fashioned. But it has everything we needed, including a very comfortable bed indeed. It had all the mod cons too. Tea-making facilities, a safe and so on. The bathroom - it had a bath - was also well equipped right down to face cloths that many modern hotels no longer supply. And truth be told, we rather liked the old-fashioned decor.

There was a large TV screen as well, comfortable chairs and a fine space if you wanted to do a bit of work on the computer. Oh yes, they are very well up to date. The WiFi is excellent. The key card also worked extremely well, not just at the bedroom room but also at the hotel door when we came back rather late from the wedding, too late to enjoy a drink in their own residents bar - but we’d had enough in any case!

Our friendly receptionist called a taxi to take us to the wedding venue and also gave us a quick demo on how to use the key card to open the main door. We enjoyed the short trip with our driver who works for Euro Taxis and they may be contacted at 087 2923896. For the return, we used Killarney Cabs (they have a free phone on the desk at The Killarney Oak and may be contacted also at 064 66 37 444). They came promptly and again we had a quite a chat as we returned to the Earls Court.

Bedroom

“We offer you rooms and suites with distinctive character and style, with an abundance of space, traditional charm and all modern comforts. All rooms are designed so that you are ready to start each day refreshed and excited to explore Killarney and the magical Kingdom of Kerry.”  

The Earls Court has quite a selection of rooms: a Deluxe King Room; Four Poster Suites with Jacuzzi; Deluxe Balcony Rooms; Deluxe Triple Rooms; Deluxe Family Rooms and more.

That residents bar is brand new (and has an outdoor patio area) with a selection of wines, spirits, draft beers and minerals available to all residents and is open until 11.30 pm daily. Served until early evening, guests can enjoy a light evening snack of freshly made-to-order sandwiches with tea, coffee, or a bottle of wine at the day's end. They don’t do dinner here but have recommendations for you!• 

Other facilities include:

Elevator to all floors

Free off-street parking 

Two relaxing lounge areas for guest use.

Disabled accessible facilities

American 110v power sockets and European 2 pin power sockets in deluxe king rooms and suites

Drying room for golf and outdoor enthusiasts

Library and game facilities (available in the green lounge).

After a good night’s sleep, we headed down to breakfast, delighted to find the same friendliness and efficiency in the large room, nicely divided into small sections by timber dividers. A stags head stared down from above the fireplace (no need to light it up, yet!) as we picked from the menu. A visitor was heard to remark that the food looked lovely and fresh and was told that they support local produce and that everything is cooked from scratch.

We helped ourselves to juice and cereals from the buffet before tucking into the Special of the Day which was Eggs Benedict. We had a choice of a Refreshing Salad, other egg dishes and variations on the Full Irish theme. Very happy with our eggs though and finished off with a slice of delicious fruit cake before saying goodbye to the lovely crew here.

Comfy

Soon we were packed and heading to the car (it was raining again) in the spacious car park here, promising ourselves that we’d return to the friendly and comfortable hotel, ideal for exploring the Kingdom of Kerry.

More hotel info here on their website.

As it happens there are quite a few excellent hotels on the Muckross Road in Killarney and in recent years we have enjoyed stays at Cahernane House, The Lake, Dromhall and Randles, and The Brehon.

Breakfast read. Table mat