Irish Whiskey

Question 1

What is the history of Irish whiskey?

Answer 1

Refused to embrace Coffey still 1831 onwards.
Anglo-Irish trade war of 1930s did huge damage.
Refusal of Irish whiskey producers to get involved with bootlegging while Scots did.
1975 only 2 distilleries left: Midleton, co. Cork and Bushmills, co. Antrim.
Renaissance of sales under Jameson brand in recent years.

Question 2

Talk about Irish Distillers Ltd.

Answer 2

It is part of Pernod Ricard

IDL provide the dominant style.

• triple-distilled;
• unpeated, often including some unmalted barley.

All made in Midleton, co. Cork in plant that makes 20 brands. Unlike Scottish distillers they do not buy whisky in but make all their own.

Formed 1966 by merger of:
Cork Distilleries Company;
John Jameson and Son;
John Power and Son.
 - new purpose-built facility in Cork.

1972 Bushmills joined group.

1988 friendly takeover by Pernod Ricard.

2005 Bushmills sold to Diageo

Question 3

Which 3 companies formed Irish Distillers Limited in 1966?

Answer 3

Cork Distilleries Company; John Jameson and Son; John Power and Son.

Question 4

Talk about unmalted barley in Irish whiskey.

Answer 4

Important aspect of IDL and thus Irish whiskey. Gives spicy, oily, fruity flavour. Never less than 20% of mash bill; can be up to 60%.

Question 5

Talk about triple distillation of Irish whisky.

Answer 5

In 3 pot stills.
Wash still; distilled to 22% - 50%.
Feints still; distilled to 50% - 78%; heads and tails go back to wash still.
Spirit still; new spirit; heads and tails back to feints still.

Question 6

What is the advantage of triple distillation in pot stills?

Answer 6

Availability of different cut points allows for remarkable range of flavours and styles. As a rule produces spirits that are lighter than in flavour.

Question 7

When used exclusively the 3 pot stills produce IDL’s what?

Answer 7

Redbreast, and Green Spot whiskeys.

Question 8

Midleton column distillation. Talk about it.

Answer 8

Used to produce grain whiskeys which have high % of corn in mash bill. Can be highly rectified or fuller flavoured.

Question 9

What has IDL done about wood in recent years?

Answer 9

Started using more bespoke first-fill European and American casks. Has led to greater, complexity, weight and sweetness in blends.

Question 10

Talk about Bushmills.

Answer 10

In County Antrim. Sold by IDL to Diageo in 2005. Only produces malt. Triple-distils it. The ten pot stills have tall slender necks that encourage reflux and produce spirit that is delicate fruity and floral. Use ex-bourbon and Tennessee barrels and bespoke Oloroso casks. Make blended whiskey using Midleton grain whiskey.

Question 11

Cooley. Why are they different from other Irish whiskeys?

Answer 11

Established 1987.
Pot still whiskeys are double distilled. One of their malt brands uses peat. Column still produces grain whiskey for blends but also Ireland’s only single-grain whiskey, made from corn.

Question 12

Name 5 of IDL’s 20 brands.

Answer 12

Jameson, Midleton, Powers, Redbreast, Cork Dry Gin.