Kilkenny, 10th March 2021: Ballykeefe, an entirely independent, artisan, family-owned beef and tillage farm in Kilkenny, diversified it's traditional operations and entered the Irish Whiskey market. While the farming industry has been under intense pressure in recent years, Covid-19 has further impacted on Irish agriculture with farm incomes showing a decline in 2020. In response to this, Ballykeefe has introduced this new commercial component to complement existing operations.
Ballykeefe Distillery, Ireland’s only family farm with a fully integrated Eco-Friendly distillery, was built in 2016 and began production in 2017. The Distillery, which is owned by Morgan and Anne Ging, has been producing white spirits since 2017 and entered the whiskey market today with the launch of its first Pot Sill Irish Whiskey.
The single farm, single estate and single cask whiskey will be available on limited release. A total of 350 bottles at Cask Strength and 700 bottles at 46% Abv are available for sale, drawn from seven casks of the premier distillations. Every drop of whiskey in a Ballykeefe bottle is triple distilled from barley grown on the farm, making it a uniquely 100% grain to glass operation.
Morgan Ging, Owner of Ballykeefe Distillery said: “The launch of the Ballykeefe whiskey is the culmination of over 25 years work for our family. In 2016, we took the decision to adapt our traditional farming business and revive the longstanding tradition of small family farm distilleries in Ireland. Our operations are centred around our unique, high quality product, which is produced using leading technology to ensure eco-friendly practices and zero off-farm waste.
Dick Manogue, Collector of rare whiskeys said: The limited release is a collector’s dream in terms of presentation, rarity and future value, for those who hold on to their bottle rather than drinking it. Each cask is individually bottled, with both the cask and bottle number handwritten on the label of each bottle.”
The exclusivity and collectability of this first release is further enhanced by the packaging and presentation. 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.
Commenting on the partnership with two local businesses, Morgan added: “I am delighted we are working with the team at Kilkenny Crystal. Their exceptionally talented craftsmen are among a very few who are hand cutting crystal in Ireland. The Wine Centre in Kilkenny has been chosen as our sole retail partner for this first release, due to our longstanding relationship and their expert knowledge.”
Tasting Notes:
Cask strength
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
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.
Ballykeefe has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability and has won multiple awards at local and industry level. In addition to this, the distillery and farm operations are a flagship member of Bord Bia’s Origin Green program.
To learn more, head over to BallykeefeDistillery.ie
Slán go fóill,