Ballykeefe Single Pot Still 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 seven individually bottled casks of Single Pot Still includes 500 cask strength bottles, with only 350 being released for sale and 986 bottles at 46% ABV, with only 700 of these special celebration bottles being released for sale. 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
The nose is intense, but gentle with real depth and character, with powerful notes of Warm Caramel, Firm Oak Vanilla, Malt Cereal and a small hint of Coconut.
Taste
The taste at first has a burst of Orange Peel and Dark Chocolate mid tongue. Then a surge of spice with notes of Liquorice, Cloves, Cardamom and a hint of soothing menthol oil in the background. A small splash of water calmed the cask strength fire and enhanced the luscious mouthfeel.
Finish
Long slow burning finish dominated by Cloved Oranges and Aniseed.
46% ABV TASTING NOTES
Nose
Warm inviting nose with Caramel Toffee Notes, Soft Oak Vanilla, Malt Cereal and a hint of Coconut.
Taste
A surge of Rich Earthy Malt with sweet and spicy notes of Liquorice, Cloves, Dried Fruit and Green Cardamom. A small splash of water opens the Rich Malt flavours even more and enhances the silky mouthfeel.
Finish
Long Malty finish yields to Cloved Oranges and Aniseed.
