The Celtic Whisk(e)y Knot Vol. 2

In the misty lands of Ireland and Scotland where legends are born, three mesmerizing whiskeys emerge, bearing within them the soul of Celtic heritage.

First, we venture into the realm of Bank Note 5 Year Old Peated Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky. A tale from the flourishing era of blended whisky in the 19th century, this blend carries the essence of smoky Islay, sweet Speyside, Lowland Grain, and Highland Malt. Resting for over five years in American oak, it now stands ready to enchant with its well-rounded character.

Our journey then takes us to Keeper's Heart Irish + American Whiskey, a celebration of cultures entwined. This isn't merely a fusion; it's a tribute to the delicate sweetness of Irish grain whiskey, the richness of Irish pot still whiskey, and the boldness of American rye whiskey. The outcome is a burst of orchard and tropical fruits, wrapped in the embrace of baking spices and harmoniously balanced with charred oak.

Finally, prepare to be spirited away by Compass Box Spice Tree, a whisky born out of rebellion. In 2005, it dared to defy tradition and was banished in 2006. But, like a phoenix, it rose again, bolder and grander. Matured in bespoke American Oak casks with French Oak heads, it radiates rich malt flavors with toasty accents so splendid, that it might just be banished to the Shadow Realm again.

So, gather your kin and friends for a spirited cèilidh at home and let these Celtic heroes enrapture your senses in a dance of timeless flavors and tales!

Smartass Corner

1) A blended Scotch is a combination of different malts from different distilleries. It is typically made from grain whisky but does include malt whisky to give it a more complex body.

2) Blended whiskies are the result of years of craftsmanship and dedication. A master blender does not simply wake up one day with a profound ability to create a cohesive and enjoyable liquid. From nosing the liquid to working out quantities of each different grain and malt to go into the blend, a master blender can take years, if not decades, to train.

3) Whisky or whiskey? The spelling differs geographically. In Scotland, Japan, and some other parts of the world, distilleries usually spell it whisky; in Ireland and the USA, they spell it whiskey.

4) Scotch whisky is usually distilled twice, but Irish whiskey goes for a triple distillation! This extra round makes Irish whiskey mellow and smooth.

5) There are many Irish Whiskey varieties: grain whiskey, malted barley pot-still-distilled, and ‘pure pot-still’ or ‘single pot still’ as it is now officially known. Then there is Poitin, one of the first spirits ever made.

6) In the U.S., Irish Whiskey sales have jumped by over 500% since 2002. It’s the fastest-growing category in the spirits industry. There’s some news to raise your glass to!

7) 90% of all Scotch Whisky released in the market is a blend. That’s a hell of a lot.

8) Categories of Scotch Whisky: Single malt, blended malt (formerly called vatted malt), blended, single grain, and blended grain Scotch.