Irish Distillers has launched their eagerly awaited Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest whiskey. It is the third release in the Dair Ghaelach collection and now available to purchase at yours truly!
If you ever wanted a whiskey that has Ireland in its very soul then this is the one. This incredible whiskey has matured in barrels made from virgin Irish oak grown in Knockrath Forest, County Wicklow. As a result, you can literally taste the Irish countryside in every sip.
The Story Behind Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach
The whiskey’s name translates into ‘Irish Oak’. Its story starts over a decade ago when the Midleton Masters decided they wanted to create a one of a kind whiskey that was matured in native oak from Co. Wicklow. This area is known as the garden of Ireland and one of the most beautiful spots in the country. It includes mountain ranges full of Irish heather, and forests of centuries-old trees.
Knockrath Forest is one of these woodland’s nestled away in the ancient Vale of Clara. The oaks there have been growing for over 150 years. Irish oak hasn’t been used to mature whiskey in over 100 years. However, thanks to sustainable practices, these small batches of whiskey are able to be produced and enjoyed. This whiskey is an example of the subtle differences that trees lend to a spirit’s unique flavour.
A lighter toasting of the wood and unique combination of distillates results in subtle flavour differences between Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest and its predecessors, Dair Ghaelach Grinsell’s Wood and Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest.
Tasting Notes
Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest is bottled at cask strength, ranging from 56.1% – 56.6% ABV. This gives drinkers the opportunity to taste Irish whiskey almost directly from Irish oak.
Nose: Pot still spices are accentuated by the Irish oak contribution, adding waves of toasted wood with hints of vanilla and roasted coffee, layered over fresh fruit which evolves from orchard fruits to tropical notes.
Taste: Classic pot still spices give a luscious texture to the fore, while the influence of the Irish oak adds a medley of sweet notes including chocolate and honeycomb.
Finish: Remarkably long finish with fruit and spices fading to allow the Irish oak to have the final say.
Try Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest in our bar on the 1st floor of the Irish Whiskey Museum, 119 Grafton Street, Dublin.
