The Powerscourt Distillery launched its oldest release of Fercullen whiskey at an exclusive tasting event at the brand’s home on the Powerscourt Estate on Thursday 29th September. Guests on the night were treated to a pre-release sample of Fercullen 21 year old Single Malt, the latest edition to the Fercullen range of whiskeys.
The inaugural 2022 release is a marriage of 21-Year-old Single Malt whiskey matured in ex-bourbon barrels, with a selection of Oloroso Sherry and Pedro Ximénez finished whiskeys.
The collaboration of blending from Head of Whiskey John Cashman and Head Distiller and Blender Paul Corbett, was inspired by the atmospheric bodegas of the Andalusian region of Spain. The finished whiskey combines the distinctive dark fruit sherried flavours of the region with the soft elegance of 21 year bourbon matured malt whiskey.
John Cashman Head of Whiskey for Powerscourt Distillery said:
This is the oldest whiskey expression released by Powerscourt Distillery to date, “this aged single malt will become an exclusive annual release, with the vintage year prominent on the label. I believe this Single Malt is destined to become one of the great Irish whiskeys of the modern era”.
Paul Corbett Head Distiller and Blender said: “This blend was a marriage of 70% bourbon, 20% Oloroso and 10% PX sherry casks. The sherry component was first matured in bourbon barrels before finishing for a further 2 years in European oak. 21 years in bourbon barrels imparted a beautiful vanilla sweetness to the whiskey, when combined with the dried fruits from the sherry casks and drying spice/structure from the European oak we created a single malt with an amazing depth of flavour and complexity.”
Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filled, Fercullen 21-year-old Single Malt is now available online here and at selected off-licences around the country.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Honeydew melon, lychee, rich vanilla fudge, pear drops and soft leather.
Palate: Vanilla fudge with dried fruits, dark chocolate with orange oil, cracked hazelnuts.
Finish: Sweet fudge, candied cherries, fruit cake and drying-spices.