Boann Distillery has entered an exclusive whiskey partnership with one of Ireland’s most beloved hotels.
The family-owned Co Meath distillery, famed for it's Whistler brand, has teamed up with Dublin’s Merrion Hotel to create The Whistler X Merrion Hotel, a 10-year-old single malt.
And whiskey lovers will have the chance to sample it - along with two unreleased Whistler Whiskeys and two single pot still Irish whiskeys from Boann's famous copper pot stills - at a Fireside Chat in the city-centre venue next week.
“We are thrilled with our first collaboration with The Merrion, which is a perfect fit for a whiskey as prestigious as The Whistler,” said Paddy Cooney of multi award-winning Boann.
“This very special, 10-year-old single malt will be available only at The Merrion.”
The Fireside Chat featuring Boann’s whiskeys at The Merrion’s Bar No23 next Tuesday (Oct3) is the first of three whiskey tasting events over the coming weeks.
A must for whiskey enthusiasts, it features guided tasting of The Whistler X Merrion Hotel by Boann head distiller Alexander Witt, paired with canapes and engaging conversation about the new spirit.
Matured in a reimagined French oak barrique, previously used for Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux and fired to add a gently toasted layer of taste, it was disgorged and bottled exclusively for the hotel and is described as “inviting, elegant and sophisticated”.
On the nose, the Merrion’s Whistler has notes of velvety honey, with stewed fruit, poached pear and blackcurrant. Vanilla, toffee and spice comes next, along with notes of pastry and white chocolate. All accompanied by a hint of minerality and herbal freshness.
On the palate, it has a rich and silky texture. Stewed apples and poached pear are joined by tropical fruit and a malty sweetness with soft spice and fruit lingering on the finish.
Next up are two unreleased Whistler Whiskeys: a Whistler 14-year-old white port single cask and a Whistler 21-year-old Madeira finish.
Also on the tasting menu is a Boann Winter Solstice single pot still, launched last December and a Boann Summer Solstice single pot still, unveiled earlier this year. Both of the Boann Solstice releases have sold out.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for whiskey enthusiasts to taste the Merrion Whistler Whiskey alongside two unreleased expressions from the Whistler Whiskey warehouses,” said Mr Cooney.
“They will give a glimpse into what the future of the Whistler Whiskey will look like as well as the promising future of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey from Boann Distillery.”
*Limited tickets, priced at €55/pp for next Tuesday’s Fireside Chat at The Merrion, are available by contacting dining@merrionhotel.com or phone: 01 603 0608. Booking essential.
Slán go fóill.