Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Photo courtesy of Cooley Distillery
Distiller Details
Cooley Distillery
Riverstown, Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland
Website Facebook TwitterAwards & Recognition
- 2008-2009 Gold Medal - International Wine and Spirits Competition,2009 Gold Medal - World Whiskies Awards
- 2008 Double Gold - San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Price Range
Premium — $51–$100
Where to Buy
THL: What is it?
Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey gets its distinctive flavor from drying malted barley over peat fires which absorbs the smoky aroma and flavor.
THL: Why should you try it?
Smoky peat lovers need look no further than Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey. There is an unusual hearty smoked meatiness reminiscent of a Texas barbecue that follows with the more recognizable honey and vanilla found in most Irish whiskey.
It is a very distinct taste that smoked spirit fans will love, but can be a bit surprising to novice peated-whiskey drinkers. There are definitely some headier peat whiskeys out there, namely Islay Scotch whiskies, but given the light-bodied nature of the spirit, it can be a good introduction to that smoke-filled world.
THL: Who makes it?
Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey comes from the Cooley Distillery, which was founded in 1987 to resurrect some of the Irish whiskey brands that were no longer being produced at the time. Irish whiskey was reduced to a single company in the early 1970s, Bushmills. Cooley founder John Teeling acquired some old Irish whiskey brands and began to revive production. The Cooley Distillery also produces Connemara 12 Year Old, Connemara Cask Strength, Michael Collins Irish Whiskey, Michael Collins 10 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Greenore Single Grain Irish Whiskey, and Kilbeggan Whiskey.
THL: What does it taste like?
barbecue, honey, vanilla
THL: How should you drink it?
Enjoy this spirit neat, and pair it's long finish with blue cheese or smoked salmon.
