New spirit

[Fyntyn]

I am trying to put together a collection of new spirit, that is whisky straight from the still, which cannot be sold under the description whisky / whiskey, and would be interested in acquiring samples from working Irish distilleries. Any help would be much appreciated.

Perhaps, surprisingly, the samples that I have already acquired from a number of distilleries are quite distinctive. Obviously, wood and age have a major impact on nose and mouth but in most cases the basic characteristics can still be easily detected.

[Good Whiskey Hunting]

The spirit from the still should have lots of character. If you do manage to get spirit from certain distillers please don't post their names.

I think there maybe issues with excise duty on alcohol and therefore may get some in trouble.

[Fyntyn]

Would not dream of publishing names!

However, with modern commercial distillation, and today's strict bublic health regulations, I wish that there was more young whisky and new spirit on the market. Unfortunately, the advertising men have persuaded people that old means good. This is not the case, some whiskies are at their peak as young as 5 years, and I have had some really lovely new spirit (though I would not want to drink much of it often!

[John]

Hi Fyntyn,
It would be an unusual whiskey that would reach its peak at 5yo. to be honest. Many entry level offerings come in at the 5 to 7 yo mark. It is more like consumer demand than advertising acumen which has convinced whiskey drinkers that 'aged' whiskey is a better product.
Back to the topic in question though; I could be corrected but a number of distilleries have produced commercially available new make spirit samples so with a bit of research you should be able to source some.
John.

[Good Whiskey Hunting]

Would not dream of publishing names!

However, with modern commercial distillation, and today's strict bublic health regulations, I wish that there was more young whisky and new spirit on the market. Unfortunately, the advertising men have persuaded people that old means good. This is not the case, some whiskies are at their peak as young as 5 years, and I have had some really lovely new spirit (though I would not want to drink much of it often!

I've had young and old over the years and they vary enormously. To my experience Irish whiskeys under 5 are a little to immature. It depends greatly with the cask too. I think between 12-16 is ideal for Irish. They are lovely younger too but I think 6+ is better.

I've tasted the Pogue whiskey from West Cork Distillers and its 3 years old. It's not great but is very well marketed and will sell.

I believe lots of Bourbons I've had are great at 5-8 years old and there are some good ones even younger too.

[IrishWhiskeyChaser]

I think it may be more of a taste thing, some like their whiskey old others young.

Italy was such a place where young whiskey was a big hit. Bushmills used to have a 5yo on sale there as did Glen Grant which was a very big seller.

In saying that a 5yo whiskey may have been perceived to be old against the standard blended whiskey of the day.

[Fyntyn]

Jura produced a very good 4 y.o. a few years ago for the Japanese market. Jack Milroy bottled a delicious 4 y.o. bourbon cask Macallan in the 90s, and Ardbeg bottled a 4 y.o. for Members, also. I still have bottles in my collection. Down to my last Macallan. Wish there was more bourbon cask Macallan about!