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 The Harvest Tasting Notes
The Irishman The Harvest is a distinctive Irish whiskey, blending 70% triple-distilled single malt with 30% single pot still, matured in ex-bourbon barrels to honor Ireland's farming legacy. Formerly called Founder's Reserve, it embodies a harmonious fusion of styles, offering a smooth yet complex profile ideal for both novices and connoisseurs.
Nosing: The bouquet greets with vibrant zesty spices and a kick of black pepper, evoking freshly cracked grains. Orchard fruits dominate, featuring ripe peaches, apricots, and green apples, mingled with subtle pears and citrus zest for a refreshing lift. Underlying creamy vanilla and hints of hay add depth, reminiscent of a sun-drenched harvest meadow, with faint butterscotch sweetness rounding out the inviting aroma.
Palate: Entry is silky and medium-bodied, where pot still spice asserts itself boldly with waves of dark chocolate and bourbon-infused oak. Ripe fruits like peaches and toffee apples provide a juicy core, balanced by vanilla creaminess and cracked black pepper for a gentle heat. Subtle notes of honey and caramel emerge mid-palate, creating a layered experience that transitions from sweet fruitiness to oaky warmth without overwhelming the senses.
Finish: The conclusion is lingering and satisfying, with oak tannins and butterscotch persisting, fading into a subtle caramel sweetness accented by spiced pine. This leaves a clean, balanced aftertaste that echoes the initial spice and fruit, encouraging another sip. Overall, The Harvest delivers an accessible yet sophisticated taste journey, showcasing Irish whiskey's versatility.