Berry Bros. & Rudd releases Irish whiskey
Wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd has expanded its spirits portfolio with the launch of Craoi na Mona, a single malt Irish whiskey finished in peated casks.
Craoi na Mona is Gaelic for ‘heart of the peat bog’Gaelic for ‘heart of the peat bog,’ Craoi na Mona – pronounced Cree na Mona – was matured for 10 years in American Oak cask before it was finished in ex-Laphroaig casks.
On the nose, the whisky has a “good hint of peat” along with charred wood and burnt grassy notes of bracken and ferns along with lemon meringue, sugared almonds and rhubarb.
The palate is said to be “very smooth, with some sweetness building to control the peat-smoke and medicinal notes”, before offering notes of peaches and cream, orange citrus and rosehip.
Doug McIvor, Spirits Expert at Berry Bros. & Rudd, said: “Though peat has traditionally been used in the drying of barley in both Ireland and Scotland, finishing is another recognised way of imparting those characteristic smoky flavours.
“After the whiskey was matured for 10 years in American Oak casks it was shipped from Ireland to Scotland where it spent a few short months in casks that had previously matured heavily peated Islay malt.
“To be honest, we weren’t completely sure what the outcome would be, but now it’s done I can say we are all categorically pleased with the results.”
The whiskey joins other Berry Bros. & Rudd brands such as No.3 Gin, The Kings Ginger Liqueur and The Glenrothes. Following the recent decision to bring distribution of the Berry Bros. & Rudd spirits portfolio in-house, the Craoi na Mona and the rest of the range will be distributed to the on and off-trade via the company’s wholesale business, Fields Morris & Verdin.
Craoi na Mona Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 10 Year Old is bottled at 46% and carries an RRP of £54.95.
