Clonakilty Distillery, nestled in the heart of West Cork, have announced the release of The Galley Head single malt Irish whiskey. This expression represents a new departure for the Distillery as the brand sought to create a high-quality whiskey that was accessible in terms of price but still retained the quality and finish that Clonakilty Distillery has become renowned for amongst whiskey connoisseurs.
Matured and finished in their Atlantic Ocean Warehouses, Galley Head Single Malt represents a marriage of a re-shaved, re-toasted wine cask and Bordeaux red wine casks. This expression boasts aromas of cocoa and rich fruits which has flavours of dark chocolate, red berries and liquorice with a long finish of oak spices.
Clonakilty Distillery have said they are hopeful that this new release will provide a foundation on which they can continue and develop to grow their brand, in addition to attracting a range of new customers seeking to broaden their whiskey horizons.
The production and launch are also in anticipation of a return to strong whiskey sales on the international market once again.
The Galley Head expression will be available to buy from off-licences, Supervalu and Centra stores across Ireland, as well as the Celtic Whiskey Shop, with a recommended retail price of €39.50. Bottled at 40% ABV this brand new single malt can also be purchased online, here.
Paul Corbett, Head Distiller at Clonakilty Distillery had this to say about the new whiskey, “We decided on single malt to produce a full flavoured, barley forward whiskey. We finished this single malt in two cask types, a re-shaved, re-toasted wine cask and a freshly disgorged Bordeaux red wine casks”.
“The rejuvenated wood imparts a caramel sweetness and complex spice to the whiskey while the fresh wine casks add a fruitiness that complements the cereal character of the malt,” he added.
The whiskey derives its inspiration from the Galley Head Lighthouse, which stands guard over the barley fields at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The Lighthouse, which was built in 1875, rises an imposing 53m above the roaring Wild Atlantic Ocean, just outside Clonakilty town.
The lighthouse is situated across the bay and can be seen from the warehouse where Galley Head whiskey is matured, finished, and bottled.
Sounds like a nice addition to range. Disappointing at 40% abv (probably need to get to price point), and no disclosure of age and source of where distilled.