As mentioned previously, while single malt Irish whiskeys are not the norm, there are still several great options coming from Ireland, and most of them carry on the Irish tradition of triple distillation. The additional restrictions in Scotland are that single malt Irish whiskeys must be:
made from 100% malted barley
distilled entirely in pot stills
come from a single distillery although“malt whiskey” may be a blend of malt whiskey from more than one distillery)
Single Malt Irish Whiskeys are most comparable with Single Malt whiskeys from Scotland because most of the techniques and processes are identical. As a result, for a Scotch drinker venturing into Irish Whiskey, this may be a good avenue to head down.
Kinahan’s KASC Project Single Malt Whiskey
A unique Irish example of single malt is Kinahan’s KASC Project. Crafted in limited batches in Ireland, the KASC Project is the world’s first Hybrid Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey. Unlike traditional whiskey aging methods that involve using Oak or y in multiple different barrels, the distillers at Kinahan’s have produced a barrel made of various wooden staves constructed together. This includes Portuguese Oak, American Oak, French Oak, Hungarian Oak, and Chestnut. The resulting expression is one of rich, diverse, ever-changing flavours.
Each wood contributes a different flavour profile, and since the Whiskey is produced of 100% malted barley distilled in copper pots, the delicate spirit that runs off the still is the ideal canvas on which the Hybrid Cask can paint. The Kinahan’s KASC Project mingles fruity notes of pineapple, apricot, and honey with spicy notes of vanilla, clove, and oak. On the palate, it reveals caramel and cocoa notes from the oak and light apple and citrus esters from the spirit, it finishes clean, dry, long, and complex. This is one of the most versatile whiskeys on the shelf now, and how it transforms in the glass is astonishing. It is certainly an example of how Irish whiskey traditions and their flexibility can help experiment in ways unseen by Single Malts from Scotland.
Author Kamran Ahmed: Kam began his journey with JAK's in 2018. He worked seasonally in liquor retail for nearly a decade while pursuing a Master's in Cinema before realizing that beer, whisky, and wine were more interesting. He has WSET Level 3 in both wines and spirits, is a Prud'homme certified Beer Sommelier, and is a certified Whisky Ambassador. Outside of JAK's, find him at the Cinematheque, a local brewery, or a dog trail with his pupper, Charlie!