Walsh Whiskey Distillery was established in 1999 by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, a husband-and-wife duo who left their IT careers in London to return to Ireland and revive the country's whiskey tradition. Starting with Hot Irishman, a pre-mixed Irish coffee that became a hit, they built a foundation for premium spirits. Bernard's entrepreneurial spirit and Rosemary's marketing acumen drove their vision to blend heritage with modern innovation. By 2013, they partnered with Italian company Illva Saronno to construct a cutting-edge distillery on the historic Holloden Estate in Royal Oak, County Carlow. This site, featuring a mansion from 1755, became home to the first new distillery in Carlow in over 200 years. Production began in 2016 with three copper pot stills and a column still, enabling diverse whiskey styles like single malt, single pot still, and grain. Walsh Whiskey launched brands such as The Irishman, honoring Ireland's distilling past, and Writers' Tears, inspired by literary figures. Their whiskeys quickly gained international acclaim for quality and authenticity. However, in 2021, amid strategic differences, Walsh Whiskey split from Illva Saronno. The Walshes retained the brands, recipes, and maturing stock, while the distillery was renamed Royal Oak under Illva's control. Today, Walsh Whiskey sources from trusted Irish partners, focuses on small-batch releases, and continues contributing to the Irish whiskey renaissance through awards and global exports. Their story exemplifies resilience and passion in a reviving industry.
The Irishman Single Malt 17 Year Old is a superlative limited-edition Irish whiskey, crafted from 100% malted Irish barley and triple-distilled in copper pot stills for exceptional purity and smoothness. Matured exclusively in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts for 17 years, it is non-chill filtered and bottled at 56% ABV, with only three casks produced annually, each bottle individually numbered to signify its rarity. This expression highlights the profound influence of sherry cask maturation, delivering a rich, complex profile that balances sweetness, spice, and depth, ideal for savoring neat or with a splash of water to unfold its layers, appealing to connoisseurs seeking premium Irish single malt experiences.
Nosing: The aroma is inviting and festive, opening with deep notes of dark chocolate influenced by the sherry cask, intertwined with Christmassy fruits like boozy raisins, plump prunes, and sultanas. Toasted malt loaf and Christmas cake emerge, accented by spicy ginger, cinnamon, and subtle clove, evoking a warm bakery. Hints of marzipan, flat cherry cola, dried peaches, and grilled pears add sweetness and richness, with underlying red wine notes and a touch of honeyed malt for an elegant, multifaceted bouquet that promises indulgence.
Palate: Full-bodied and robust on entry, it bursts with toasted oak and sweet sherried raisins, complemented by waves of spice including cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, and clove for a lively kick. Poached pears, plums, and candied fruits provide juicy depth, balanced by coffee beans, nutty undertones, and subtle linseed oil. The sherry influence imparts a honeyed maltiness and red wine richness, creating harmonious layers of dried apricots, prunes, and dark chocolate that evolve smoothly, showcasing the whiskey's maturity without overpowering heat.
Finish: Long and warming, with nutty Oloroso sherry and lingering dark chocolate fading into balanced sweetness and spice. Echoes of raisins, toasted oak, and gentle tannins persist, leaving a satisfying, moreish aftertaste that encourages another sip. Overall, this 17-year-old exemplifies the artistry of Irish whiskey through its sherry-driven complexity and refined elegance.