“Nice success breeds loads of issues, together with sequels.” – Dwayne Johnson
Who doesn’t love a sequel? Again in July and December – which looks as if an age in the past – I reviewed Killowen’s Cúige collection (5 poitíns completed in beer firkins) and its Dalriadan whiskey, an amalgamation of a Scotch and Irish whiskey that Killowen bottled in a two-part collection. Fortunately, Brendan has blessed us with extra releases, an addition to the Cúige, we’ve the Le Chéile and one other Dalriadan launch. Half 2 appears to cement the recognition of the collection and Killowen’s credentials as a outstanding and acclaimed distiller/bonder.
Because it’s been over two months since I final reviewed Killowen, I assumed I’d replace Malt readers on what Brendan and the crew at Killowen have been as much as. The releases haven’t stopped; on the time of writing, Brendan is increasing Killowen’s inaugural experimental collection by increasing it southwards… means southwards.
For these unaware of Killowen’s inception: Brendan was impressed by Belgrove Grasp Distiller Peter Bignell. Brendan’s methods, strategies and expressions are clearly influenced by Peter, exhibiting a portfolio of sustainability, selection, and keenness. This relationship has enabled Brendan to commandeer two casks from Belgrove for the following releases showcasing rye and oats.
Moreover, the recognition of poitín has risen dramatically during the last seven months. Formally dubbed “2022: the 12 months of poitín,” Brendan has produced 4 poitíns and impressed different manufacturers to observe and create Eire’s age-old spirit. Eire will host the world’s first poitín pageant, “Poitín Now,” in Dublin later this 12 months, a testomony to Brendan’s enthusiasm for drum beating.
Relatively than regurgitate the historical past relating to the Dalriadan, I assumed we must always simply delve into the whiskey itself. Funnily sufficient, it received’t take the brains of a mathematician to anticipate what the make-up of Half 2 shall be… Sure! It’s the stays of the Caol Ila cask and the stays of the Bushmills cask, which implies it’s a 60% Caol Ila and 40% Bushmills mix this time round.
What’s attention-grabbing, although, is the Half 2 expression spent ten months in Pedro Ximenez and Killowen Darkish Rum casks. Killowen produces a now signature “Rum & Raisin” mix that’s completed this manner, so this was clearly one for the true Killowen “Kulters.” It’s bottled at 57.99% ABV and – like all Killowen releases – transparency is key, indicating the liquid’s origins. It’s a restricted launch of 304 bottles; primarily based on present internet browsing, out there bottles are few and much between.
Alternatively, the make-up of Le Chéile (translated as “Collectively” in English) is much less easy. Primarily, it’s a mix of all 5 earlier Cúige expressions in a half-filled firkin. Initially destined for the Kult, the pandemic meant that it was subsequently launched throughout Dublin’s whiskey reside to whomever might get to the Killowen stand quickest.
The 5 blends are all vatted for 21.5 months within the “O Brother” firkin (an Irish craft beer firm from Wicklow, Eire). It’s the identical mash invoice of fifty% peated barley, 21.6% unmalted barley, 14.2% Oat (malted and peat smoked on web site), 7.1% wheat and seven.1% rye.
The value of the Dalriadan might trigger some un-educated drinkers to suck their enamel; nonetheless, the whisky trade has skilled its worst provide chain disaster in historical past, that means that the very best single malt whiskies are set to triple in worth subsequent 12 months. Think about the price of shopping for a cask! The resurgence in Irish whiskey has additionally seen gross sales improve 16.3% within the final 12 months; a worth improve is a positive factor given the shortage of provide and development in demand.
The poitín, alternatively, represents modest pricing, reflective of the recognition of poitín at present.
Killowen The Dalriadan Half 2 – Evaluate
£114.95 from The Umbrella Mission.
On the nostril: Initially, there’s a refined sweetness basking in contemporary burnt moss. The sweetness carries on all through and transitions to fruit salad sweets, tangerines, Werther’s originals and honey. There are additionally delicate notes of contemporary leather-based, shoe polish and remnants of a cigar field, all equally balanced all through with oaky, malty notes of toasted almonds and digestive biscuits.
Within the mouth: a wholesome concoction of spice and smoke. Burnt black peppercorns, cloves and cinnamon mixed with a whiff of tobacco ash. An evident affect of Islay maritime maturation with a definite saltiness to it as effectively. Little sweetness this time round, with lemon zest being most prevalent. On the end, the smoke endures however is merely flickering all through the end, however much less overpowering as time goes on. The spice accumulates into a final serving to of pepper, adopted up with a shot of espresso. Candy, spicy and strong.
Rating: 7/10
Killowen Le Chéile – Evaluate
£30; unique to Killowen Kult members.
On the nostril: Preliminary earthiness; very floral, hints of contemporary minimize grass, moist moss, and bark. Some spice comes via, mild peppermint, fennel and a dusting of cinnamon. Notes of unripened peaches, stewed apples and nectarines give it a fruity depth.
Within the mouth: Firstly, the sweetness is revealed; tons extra fruity notes of limes, lemon zest and peaches, dusted with cinnamon powder. There may be undoubtedly smoke there, but it surely’s completely balanced, not overpowering and matched by the depth of the sweetness. Additional spicy notes linger within the background; black pepper, cinnamon and cloves all generate a seductive heat that coats the mouth. On the end, a balanced concoction of smoke, spice and sweetness. Ending with espresso beans and heat rhubarb crumble. Medium to lengthy end.
Rating: 7/10
Conclusions:
It’s no shock that each are worthy sequels to their predecessors. The second launch of the Dalriadan is an thrilling idea; flipping the ratio of Caol Ila to Bushmills definitely has an attention-grabbing impact on the whiskey, then ending it in Killowen Rum and Raisin cask has offered an efficient means of balancing the liquid between the smoke and the spice. One other beautiful version, however half one simply takes it for me.
The Le Chéile doesn’t essentially observe the identical journey as the opposite Cuige releases and is as a substitute simply an amalgamation, but it surely nonetheless is a wonderful addition to the vary. I notably preferred this one, not essentially because it was unique to Kult members and really restricted. Nonetheless, it builds on Killowen’s ardour for broadening individuals’s palates, growing consciousness, and giving credibility to the “12 months of Poitín.”
