The popularity of Irish Whiskey in the United States continues to grow significantly. In 2021, U.S. consumption of Irish Whiskey grew by 15%, and in 2022, the growth was 6.9%. And in 2022, 6 Million cases of Irish whiskey were exported to the U.S., their #1 export market, comprising about 40% of their total exports.
Jamesons is, by far, the most popular brand of Irish Whiskey but there are currently over 40 distilleries in Ireland, including some small producers which are making their mark in the U.S. At the recent WhiskyX event held in Boston, where I was a media guest, I made my acquaintance with one of the newer brands, The Busker Irish Whiskey. They currently produce four types of Irish Whiskey, and I was impressed by their portfolio, especially considering the price points.
As a little background, there are four types of Irish Whiskey, including Single Malt, Single Grain, Single Pot Still and Blended Irish Whiskey. The first three styles must all be aged for a minimum of three years in wooden casks. Single Malt must be made from 100% malted barley. Single Grain must contain malted barley, but no more than 30%. Single Pot Still must have a minimum of 30% malted barley, a minimum of 30% unmalted barley, and may have up to 5% other cereal grains. Single Pot Still must also be made only in a pot still, not a column still. Blended Irish Whiskey is just a blend of two or more of the three styles.
The Busker Irish Whiskey, which launched in September 2020, is produced at the Royal Oak Distillery in Carlow County, located about 60 miles south of Dublin. The distillery is located on an 18th century estate, the former Holloden House. It's located close to the Barrow River, and the distillery's water comes from an underground water reservoir. Illva Saronno Holding, best known for Disaronno Amaretto, entered into a partnership to construct the Royal Oak Distillery, which opened in 2016. It's alleged that Augusto Reina, the CEO, wanted to produce a whiskey that would mix well with their Amaretto in a Godfather cocktail. That distillery produced Walsh Whiskey for a short time, until the partnership ended in 2019. Then, the distillery, which has a capacity of about 500,000 cases annually, began to produce Busker Irish Whiskey.
Jamesons is, by far, the most popular brand of Irish Whiskey but there are currently over 40 distilleries in Ireland, including some small producers which are making their mark in the U.S. At the recent WhiskyX event held in Boston, where I was a media guest, I made my acquaintance with one of the newer brands, The Busker Irish Whiskey. They currently produce four types of Irish Whiskey, and I was impressed by their portfolio, especially considering the price points.
As a little background, there are four types of Irish Whiskey, including Single Malt, Single Grain, Single Pot Still and Blended Irish Whiskey. The first three styles must all be aged for a minimum of three years in wooden casks. Single Malt must be made from 100% malted barley. Single Grain must contain malted barley, but no more than 30%. Single Pot Still must have a minimum of 30% malted barley, a minimum of 30% unmalted barley, and may have up to 5% other cereal grains. Single Pot Still must also be made only in a pot still, not a column still. Blended Irish Whiskey is just a blend of two or more of the three styles.
The Busker Irish Whiskey, which launched in September 2020, is produced at the Royal Oak Distillery in Carlow County, located about 60 miles south of Dublin. The distillery is located on an 18th century estate, the former Holloden House. It's located close to the Barrow River, and the distillery's water comes from an underground water reservoir. Illva Saronno Holding, best known for Disaronno Amaretto, entered into a partnership to construct the Royal Oak Distillery, which opened in 2016. It's alleged that Augusto Reina, the CEO, wanted to produce a whiskey that would mix well with their Amaretto in a Godfather cocktail. That distillery produced Walsh Whiskey for a short time, until the partnership ended in 2019. Then, the distillery, which has a capacity of about 500,000 cases annually, began to produce Busker Irish Whiskey.
The Busker wants to be true to its Irish roots, but also wants to be more adventurous, more cutting edge Their Master Blender, who works exclusively for The Busker, is Caroline Martin, who has about 35 years of whiskey experience and has won numerous awards in the industry. Martin is highly skilled, bringing her vast experience to the production of The Busker. The company produces all four types of Irish Whiskey, and one of their key points of differentiation from other Irish whiskey producers is their use of "rare and selected Cantine Florio (1833) Sicilian Marsala wine casks." Cantine Florio makes excellent Marsala, and one of their wines was in my list of Top Ten Wines of 2022.
The Busker Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey ($32.99), produced in copper pot stills, is matured in ex-bourbon and sherry casks. This was an impressive whiskey, especially considering the price point, delivering a complex, delicious, and alluring taste. On the palate, there's an intriguing melange of flavors, each sip bringing something new to your mouth. There are floral notes, touches of honey and caramel, hints of nuttiness, and plenty of pepper and spice, especially on the lengthy, satisfying finish. It's rich and smooth, perfect neat or on the rocks. With the weather starting to cool down, this would be an excellent choice on a chilly night. It's a whiskey to slowly sip and enjoy, to savor each intriguing taste. Highly recommended!
The Busker Single Grain Still Irish Whiskey ($32.99), produced through a column still, is matured in ex-bourbon barrels and Marsala casks. With a fruity aroma, this whiskey has more of a sweeter taste, with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch, although the finish is more dry. This is also a whiskey that can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, although you might use it in cocktails too.
The Busker Single Malt Still Irish Whiskey ($32.99) is matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry barrels, and is a more intense whiskey. There are initially fruity flavors, citrus and stone fruit, but the flavors transform on your palate, with additional notes of herbs and spice, as well as hints of caramel, salted almonds, and a bit of chocolate on the finish. Interesting complexity, a lengthy finish, and a creamy mouthfeel. Perfect neat or on the rocks, and I wouldn't recommend using it in a cocktail as it would be better on its own.
The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth Irish Whiskey ($27.99) is a blend of the other three whiskies, presenting a smooth and easy drinking whiskey, with plenty of flavor. It's more mellow, with tastes of vanilla, tropical fruit, caramel, and mild spices. There's a touch of sweetness on the finish, with notes of chocolate. This is their whiskey which is most recommended for use in cocktails, however you might enjoy it neat or on the rocks as well.
My overall favorite of the four was the Busker Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, which is an excellent buy, especially at only $32.99. With so many whiskies on the market ranging from $40-$60, this is a whiskey that can compete with many others at that higher price range. Check out all four of The Busker Irish Whiskies, and maybe find a new favorite.
No comments:
Post a Comment