Ballykeefe Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Ballykeefe is an entirely independent, artisan, family-owned Single Estate Whiskey Distillery, which was built in 2016 to diversify a working family farm for successor generations. All of the Whiskey is triple distilled from barley sown, grown and harvested on the family farm. This makes it a uniquely 100% ‘field to glass “Single Estate” Whiskey distillery’ and marks a revival of a century’s lost tradition of family farm distilling. Ballykeefe on the label means 100% Ballykeefe distilled spirit made from 100% Ballykeefe Irish barley, in the bottle.
The Ging family have an unbroken lineage of farming for centuries as far back as written records exist. Ballykeefe is located in the region which is renowned for the earliest written accounts of distilling in Ireland, recorded in the Red Book of Ossory in 1324.
Built in 2016, Whiskey production began in 2017 with a Single Pot Still, followed by Single Malt and Single Rye. All Whiskey is triple distilled in bespoke, Irish designed, Italian made, copper stills, using deep well Ballykeefe water. Major investment in sophisticated technology and eco-friendly practices have ensured zero off-farm waste and secured Ballykeefe multiple awards for sustainability.
The first release of three individually bottled casks of Single Malt includes 300 cask strength bottles and 408 bottles at 46% ABV. Each bottle has been hand-engraved by Kilkenny Crystal and mounted in a presentation box with a certificate of authenticity. The cask strength bottles come with a larger presentation box which includes two hand cut crystal glass tumblers, uniquely designed in partnership with Kilkenny Crystal, which is Ireland’s oldest family-owned crystal studio workshop.
CASK STRENGTH TASTING NOTES
Nose
A Gentle Nose for a Cask Strength Whiskey with notes of Toasted Oak, Vanilla Custard and Apple Sponge.
Taste
An intense surge of Fruit, Sweet Liquorice and Malt with Apple dominating, supported by Tropical Fruits. Then intense cooked Apple and Tarte Tatin, Marzipan and Cloves. A Cask Strength Whiskey to be sipped neat at first to experience this wonderful flavour bomb.
Finish
A Long intense Finish of Baked Apple and Cloves.
46% ABV TASTING NOTES
Nose
A Gentle nose with notes of Toasted Oak, Citrus and Coconut, resolving to Apple Sponge.
Taste
At first Malt and Fruit dominate with Mango and a hint of ripe Banana. Then Toffee Apple fading to Crème Brûlée.
Finish
Long finish with notes of Apple Custard and a hint of Cloves.