Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye announced
Kilbeggan Distilling Company launches limited Irish Whiskey with a high quantity of rye
The Kilbeggan Distillery introduces an unique Irish whiskey to the market, characterised by a high percentage of rye in the mash bill: Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye. At the same time, this is the first whiskey to be 100% distilled and matured on site following the restoration of the distillery in 2010.
Rye in the mash bill
With a composition of mash from malt, barley and a portion of approximately 30% rye, this whiskey reminds of the time around 1800, when with many large Irish distilleries the grain rye represented a firm component of their mash bills. In the course of the American prohibition and the Irish War of Independence, however, this spicy cereal practically completely disappeared from the Irish Whiskey category. Distilled twice in the copper stills of Ireland's oldest licensed distillery, which is 260 years old, the Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye has been bottled at 43% abv (86 proof).
Pure or as cocktail
Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye's taste profile is significantly softer than American rye whiskies due to the consistency of the mash. The combination of rye, malt and barley results in an oily, viscous and creamy whiskey, which shows the typical rye and barley spices. An ideal composition that will delight whiskey drinkers and cocktail lovers alike. The parent company Beam Suntory recommends in its press release that the soft and spicy Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is best enjoyed pure. An Old Fashioned with a dash of bitter and some cinnamon syrup on ice should be particularly suitable for its use in a cocktail.
Only available in USA
"After the restoration of the Kilbeggan Distillery, we created this remarkable whiskey, which has a unique taste due to the rare mash bill," says Beam Suntory Global Brand Ambassador John Cashman. This Irish Rye Whiskey will be available in limited edition from around mid-November, initially in the USA and hopefully later in Germany as well. The newcomer will complement Kilbeggan's standard portfolio – Blended Irish Whiskey (40% abv) and Single Grain Irish Whiskey (43% abv).
Official tasting notes
Nose: Soft green fruits combined with a rich creamy aroma, citrus and spices of white pepper and ginger.
Palate: Vanilla cream, floral spice, clove and forest sorrel leading to a crescendo of warm spicy notes and biscuit dryness. A pleasantly warming mouthfeel.
Finish: Immensely long and buttery with recurring vanilla and spicy, oily notes that last for a long time.
