Waterford Distillery has introduced Ireland's most intensely peated whiskies to date, Peated: Lacken and Peated: Woodbrook, boasting phenol parts per million (PPM) levels of 57ppm and 74ppm respectively. These exceptional releases join the Arcadian Farm Origins collection, a tribute to traditional whisky production, and mark a significant moment as the first Irish-peated whiskies in generations.
By combining 100% Irish barley with pure Irish peat, these whiskies offer distinctive flavor profiles that pay homage to the forgotten flavors of Irish peat, the original essence of Irish whisky. Waterford Distillery Founder and CEO, Mark Reynier, shares, "This new pair of Single Farm Origins, utilizing Irish peat and Irish barley, have been peated to levels surpassing most renowned Islay whiskies, making them the most heavily peated Irish whiskies. Yet, the terroir flavors remain distinct and pronounced."
About Peated: Lacken
Here are the specifications for Waterford Peated: Lacken:
- Peated: Lacken is one of the most heavily-peated Irish whiskies ever produced, with a phenol content of 57 ppm (parts per million)
- The whisky is named after the Lacken bog in County Kildare, where the peat used to smoke the barley is sourced
- Peated: Lacken is a single malt whisky that has been matured in a combination of first-fill American oak, virgin oak, and French oak casks
- The whisky has a strength of 50% ABV (alcohol by volume)
- According to Waterford Distillery, Peated: Lacken has a colorful peat that is salty, oily, and full-bodied, balanced by notes of white fruit, green tea, and hay
About Peated: Woodbrook
Here are the specifications for Waterford Peated: Woodbrook:
- Peated: Woodbrook is one of the most heavily-peated Irish whiskies ever produced, with a phenol content of 74 ppm (parts per million)
- The whisky is named after the Woodbrook bog in County Carlow, where the peat used to smoke the barley is sourced
- Peated: Woodbrook is a single malt whisky that has been matured in a combination of first-fill American oak, virgin oak, and French oak casks
- The whisky has a strength of 50% ABV (alcohol by volume)
- According to Waterford Distillery, Peated: Woodbrook has a rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of peat smoke, dark chocolate, and dried fruit
Crafted from barley grown on Lacken in County Wexford and Woodbrook in County Dublin, these releases join the Arcadian Farm Origins series, following the successful launch of Peated: Fenniscourt and Peated: Ballybannon in August last year, marking a return to using genuine Irish peat in whisky production. The series also includes the world's first Biodynamic whisky and Ireland's sole Organic whisky.
Waterford Distillery's unique approach, combining barley from Lacken and Woodbrook farms with Irish peat from the deep inland of Ballyteige, County Kildare, results in whiskies with rich, distinct, and complex flavors, each expressing the unique terroir-derived nuances.
Continuing their commitment to transparency, each bottle of Peated: Lacken and Peated: Woodbrook features a TÉIREOIR CODE, providing unprecedented validation and verification of the whisky's journey from barley to bottle, including details of harvesting, storage, malting, distillation, and maturation.
These exceptional whiskies are now available for purchase on waterfordwhisky.com, with an approximate recommended selling price (RSP) of €95/£90 (prices may vary by location). Discover the rich heritage of Irish peated whisky with Waterford Distillery's latest offerings.
About Waterford Distillery
Waterford Distillery is a renowned Irish whiskey distillery located in Waterford, Ireland. It stands as a testament to the rich tradition of whiskey production in Ireland, while also embracing modern techniques and sustainability practices. Founded by Mark Reynier, a veteran of the spirits industry, the distillery is known for its commitment to producing terroir-driven whiskey.
One of Waterford Distillery's distinguishing features is its emphasis on terroir, a concept commonly associated with wine production. They believe that the unique characteristics of the local environment, including the soil, climate, and microorganisms, impart distinct flavors to their whiskey. As a result, they source their barley from various farms across Ireland, each with its own terroir, to create a diverse range of whiskey expressions.
Waterford Distillery takes great pride in its sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. They are known for their dedication to organic and biodynamic farming, which minimizes the use of synthetic chemicals and promotes biodiversity. The distillery also employs a state-of-the-art energy-efficient system and has implemented various recycling and waste-reduction measures, aligning with their commitment to responsible production.
The distillery's commitment to transparency is another noteworthy aspect. Waterford provides detailed information about each whiskey batch, including the specific farm and terroir from which the barley was sourced, the distillation process, and aging conditions. This level of transparency allows consumers to explore the unique characteristics of each expression and learn about the journey from grain to glass.
In summary, Waterford Distillery is a pioneering establishment in the Irish whiskey industry, known for its dedication to terroir-driven production, sustainability, and transparency. Their approach not only honors the rich heritage of Irish whiskey but also pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved in modern whiskey-making while respecting the environment and showcasing the unique flavors of their local terroirs.
