Last week was a surprise for all of us when we heard of the demerger of the joint venture formally known as Walsh Whiskey Distillery Royal Oak. As the Walsh brands and Royal Oak distillery parted ways due to a difference of opinions on how to develop the business, there was a lot of wonder as to how Writers Tears and The Irishman would now move forward. Well here is your answer! I first tried this back in October at an Irish Whiskey Society tasting in Dingle where Woody Kane delivered the whiskey to a large audience. It was a standout dram at the time so I was really looking forward to its arrival and when I saw it on Irish Malts two weeks ago as a pre release, I just had to buy a bottle! Its important to note that while the first release listed 552 bottles, in line with previous Walsh releases such as the Irishman 17yr old, there are several individual casks. 12 casks in fact, which equates to a guesstimate of about 6,500 bottles. In Ireland it will be available from all good whiskey retailers such as Celtic and Mulligans, along with the Loop duty free. I’m going to keep my thoughts and notes to myself until Thursday but until then, the press release is below.
*****Press release February 5th 2019*****
Walsh Whiskey has released Writers’ Tears Copper Pot – Deau XO Cognac Cask Finish, a super-premium edition of its universally popular Writers’ Tears Copper Pot Irish whiskey. It is the fourth expression released under the Writers’ Tears range. On this occasion Founder Bernard Walsh has finished his unique blend of aged Single Malt and aged Single Pot Still whiskey for nine months in 12 French Oak Casks that have been seasoned for 10 to 15 years with Deau XO Cognac. The 46% ABV, triple-distilled, non-peated, super-premium whiskey is available in just eight markets worldwide including the USA, Ireland, Travel Retail (Ireland), Germany, Holland, Canada, France & the UK. The RRP is €74.99/STG £67.99.
Introducing the Writers’ Tears Copper Pot – Deau XO Cognac Cask Finish, Bernard Walsh explained the craftsmanship that has gone into every stage of the whiskey’s development: “Everything about this expression comes from the highest quality inputs, from our own unique blend of triple-distilled Single Malt and aged Single Pot Still whiskeys, to the finish in French (Limousin) Oak casks from the renowned family cooperage of Allary that have been seasoned by the Legaret family’s Deau XO Cognac for between 10 to 15 years. Everything builds to a special experience that we are very proud to put our own family name to and are delighted to share with fans of the Writers’ Tears portfolio, as well as those who might be trying a Writers’ Tears expression for the very first time. Sláinte!”
Official Tasting Notes
Nose
Succulent notes of poached pear, summer berries, hints of freshly pressed grapes and citrus zest.
Taste
Creamy smoothness with rich chocolate undertones.
Finish
Floral and fruit aromas make way for an undeniably bold finish.
That's Dram Good 