Blackwater Distillery in Waterford has adopted a novel approach to its whiskey launch, selling 4 x 200ml bottles for €250 plus delivery.
Blackwater Distillery started making whiskey in 2018 and is now launching its first Dirtgrain Irish Whisky, billed as the Manifesto release.
Although the whiskey is made in Ireland, Blackwater has chosen the alternative ‘whisky’ spelling for its spirit.
The company said that the Manifesto release is limited to 1,000 numbered boxes, each containing 4 x 200ml naggin-sized single cask Irish whiskies.
Each of the quartet is different, inspired by mash bills (recipes) from 1838, 1893, 1908 and 1915.
In Association with
The presentation box comes with a 64 page companion book, written by Peter Mulryan, Blackwater Distillery director and author of The Whiskeys of Ireland.
The book provides context and tasting notes and explains how distilling processes have changed, and how much of Ireland’s whiskey heritage has been lost.
Peter Mulryan commented: “This is a unique opportunity to taste the whiskies enjoyed by previous generations. Each one is different, representing a distinct time and a place.
“One hundred years ago Irish whisky was made from a mixed mash bill of oats, barley, wheat and rye. The grains were the thing; they made a whisky so full of flavour it didn’t need years in casks to taste of something.
“Using mash bills from the heyday of Irish whisky, and 100% Irish grown and malted grain, we have recreated four whiskies that otherwise would be lost to time. So why not try a 19th century whisky made just four years ago?”
Mulryan added that the whiskies in this Manifesto release cannot be labelled as pot still Irish whiskey, nor can there be any allusion to it on the labels, “even though historically that’s exactly what these four whiskies were”.
“This is more than a first release from the Ballyduff distillery, this is a ‘manifesto’ of intent. While drawing inspiration from the past and celebrating whisky heritage, it’s also a statement about Blackwater Distillery’s ambition to redefine the category,” Mulryan explained.
As for 'whisky' rather than 'whiskey', Mulryan contends that the spelling 'whiskey' was an invention of Dublin distillers back in the day, and that the 'ey' spelling was copper-fastened by the Irish Distillers monopoly. When uisce beatha was being made from mash bills, it was known as 'whisky'.
In December 2021, Blackwater Distillery paid €1m to buy back shares from EIIS investors and issued new equity of €2.2m. Alcohol stocks were valued at €750,000 at year end and fixed asset investment has amounted to €1.5m, with c.€1m of that property related.
Ahead of its own distilled whiskey releases, Blackwater Distillery has been producing several gins.
Dirtgrain Irish Whisky is being distributed by Dalcassian Wines and Spirits.
A live launch event is being broadcast on YouTube at 8pm on 30 November 2022.
