It seems that every day there is another name starting to be whispered within the whisky world for those who care to listen, although not new the whispers are getting a lot louder and with a little Irish accent its saying the Irish whiskey scene is gathering pace and does not look like its going to slow down any time soon !
The Chapel Gate Irish Whiskey Company are a new breed of Irish whisky Bonders, bottling Irish Blended Whiskey like the Irish Bonders of old. Founded by Louise McGuane, a farmers daughter who left her Irish home some 20 years ago and forged herself a career within the drinks industry, including a leading position within the drinks giants Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Moët Hennessey..
Returning home Louise founded The Chapel Gate Irish Whiskey Company, with stocks bought in from a third party distillery who are producing the whiskey which the company are now filling into casks specifically selected by Louise in order to get a particular finished product for the blended whisky they intend to produce..
The company became the first licensed bonder within Ireland’s living memory, the first barrels arrived at their new home in December of 2016, in April of 2016 those first barrels of spirit had been filled.
The barrels had originally been sourced from Louisville, Kentucky and filled with both new make single malt and single grain new make spirit.. The barrels once moved to the new destination are then left to mature on the west coast of Ireland within a small “ Rack house” specifically built on the family farm..
Louise names the brand of Whiskey after J J Corry who himself was a whisky bonder in the 1800’s, located close to where the company is situated, J J Corry set up a small shop in the 1890’s, located at 63 Henry Street, Kilrush which was the only place he sold his “Corry’s Special Malt” sold by the glass or jar for 3 pennies..
Not only did he sell “Whiskey” he was also known for the Tea from India, Rum from the Caribbean, Wine from France and Port from Portugal.. He even invented a bicycle which he named “The Gael” which is one of the whiskies released from the company and so far i have to admit it is the one i turn to on a regular basis.
Batch 2 – The Hanson
With the emergence of single malt and Pot still Irish Whiskey also comes the emergence of Irish Grain whiskey, and as we all know grain whisky / whiskey can be the backbone of a good blend for both the backbone and also as a filler for the blends. Grain whiskey can also be phenomenal on its own and as J J Corry are showing, it does not have to be old to do so!!
The Batch 2 of the Hanson is made up with grains of differing ages from the 4 year old through to 10 years of age..
Distillery.. Unknown
Region.. Ireland
Age.. NAS although reported as 4 year old grain
Abv.. 46%
Nose.. A delicious sweetness from vanilla,Fudge, toffee and fruit syrup leads into fresh fruits, lemon peels, and gentle pepper kick. Honey comes floating in on the back of peach and a soft coffee ice cream.
Palate.. A peppery start with some lemon bitterness to boot.. Fresh cut grass, freshly peeled apples, pineapple, kiwi and soft vanilla mix with some wild honey, toffee and again that fudge..
Finish.. Soft spices and peach
Thoughts.. Damn fine Irish grain whiskey !!!
I am not sure how i can keep telling people just how good this grain whiskey that is coming from the Emerald Island, and as for what Louise is doing, well its just blending at its best.. If you only ever try one whiskey from Ireland then make sure it is a J J Corry expression as for me the others are good but these are a notch above..
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