Roe & Co, the esteemed Dublin distillery renowned for its innovative approach to Irish whiskey, has proudly unveiled its latest masterpiece: the Roe & Co Solera Single Malt Whiskey. Representing a groundbreaking departure for the distillery, this extraordinary expression is crafted utilizing the meticulous solera method, marking a historic first for Roe & Co.
In a process as intricate as it is ingenious, the Solera Single Malt undergoes a journey through various ages and cask types, culminating in a symphony of flavor unparalleled in the realm of Irish whiskey. Each step of the process, from the initial finishing in one layer of the solera system to the gradual cascading through multiple criaderas, imparts a complexity and depth that redefine the boundaries of whiskey craftsmanship.
At the heart of this innovative approach lies a diverse array of cask types, including first fill and refill American oak ex-bourbon barrels, newly alligator charred American oak, and chestnut barrels boasting two custom toasting profiles. Furthermore, the journey through the solera system incorporates four distinct varieties of sherry casks, infusing the whiskey with layers of nuanced flavor and texture.
Head Distiller Lora Hemy, the visionary behind Roe & Co's pioneering spirit, describes the outcome of the solera process as nothing short of extraordinary. "The result is a whiskey packed full of flavor and quite unlike anything else we have seen in Irish whiskey," she declares. "There is a lot more body to this than most triple distilled whiskey releases – that is quite deliberate, as we took inspiration from winemaking to add texture."
Indeed, the Solera Single Malt stands as a testament to Roe & Co's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of tradition and innovation. Since its inception in 2019 under Hemy's stewardship, Roe & Co has sought to redefine the landscape of Irish whiskey, paying homage to the rich heritage of the craft while embracing bold new techniques and flavors.
Reflecting on the significance of the Solera Single Malt, Hemy remarks, "As the solera process is a constant filling and refilling, the process offers an ever-evolving flavor profile, but with remnants of the first ever cask distilled at our distillery remaining ever-present in solera editions long into the future. The idea that we have this evolving story and that the hands of everybody that's ever worked here will be part of every single bottle, is incredible."
But Roe & Co's commitment to innovation extends beyond the realm of whiskey alone. Embracing the spirit of community and collaboration, the distillery invites aficionados of both whiskey and music to partake in a unique celebration of St. Patrick's Day with the Roe & Co Listening Sessions pop-up series.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of iconic record stores in New York City, including Brooklyn Record Exchange and Superior Elevation Records, the Roe & Co Listening Sessions offer a one-of-a-kind experience for music lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Attendees will have the opportunity to savor exclusive Roe & Co cocktails while immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of Irish sounds, both traditional and contemporary.
"For Roe & Co, as St. Patrick's Day celebrations continue to evolve, Irish Whiskey and music share a timeless allure that transcends generations," explains Hemy. "As a lover of both whiskey and vinyl, I can't think of a better way to celebrate the holiday than savoring the sounds of Dublin while enjoying delicious drinks at the Roe & Co Listening Sessions."
With performances from local New York City talent capturing the spirit of Dublin, the Roe & Co Listening Sessions promise to be an unforgettable fusion of culture, community, and craftsmanship. As guests embark on a journey of flavor exploration guided by Roe & Co's resident DJ and Head Distiller, Lora Hemy, they will discover a world where whiskey and music converge in perfect harmony.
To experience the Roe & Co Listening Sessions firsthand, enthusiasts need only drop by the designated venues during the specified times – no RSVP required. It's an invitation to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in true Roe & Co style, where every sip and every note tells a story of passion, innovation, and the enduring spirit of camaraderie.