Boann Madeira Cask Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey 700ml

Boann Distillery on the river Boyne in County Meath makes single pot still whiskey from a broader mash bill than most, adding oats and rye to the traditional malted and unmalted barley. The family behind it has taken an unusually curious approach to wood, releasing the same spirit through a series of distinctly different cask finishes.

This one began in heavily charred American white oak ex bourbon barrels from Brown-Forman in Kentucky, then moved into vintage Colheita casks sourced from the Madeira house Justino's, drawn from Tinta Negra, Boal and Sercial bottlings from the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Madeira brings brightness rather than weight. The nose is vibrant with apple and peach over honey and toasted oak spice, with a floral thread behind. The palate is velvety, peaches and cream on entry, then vanilla, walnut, dried fruit cake and a fine mineral streak. It finishes savoury and smooth with walnut, dried fruit and a twist of lemon oil.