West Cork Maritime 5 y.o. - Calvados Casks Finish

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 43% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

A finish in Calvados casks from Garnier defines this five-year-old Maritime bottling from West Cork. The triple-distilled Irish single malt initially matures in first-fill bourbon casks before moving into former apple brandy casks for its final maturation. Fresh orchard fruit notes meet creamy vanilla, dried fruit and almonds.

The spherical bottle also reflects the maritime theme: its shape recalls traditional fishing-net floats. The offset neck makes pouring easier. The whiskey is offered at 43% alcohol in a 0.7-litre bottle, without chill filtration or added colour.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Fresh apples and white pears lead the nose. A hint of almond accompanies the fruit, complemented by vanilla and subtle oak notes.
• Palate: The whiskey is full-bodied on the palate. Dried fruit, including raisins and dates, combines with creamy vanilla, ripe apples, pears and soft almond notes.
• Finish: Fruity impressions, delicate oak and gentle spice linger in the balanced finish. Roasted almonds add a nutty accent.

Distillery/Bottler:

West Cork Distillers was founded in 2003 by childhood friends John O’Connell, Ger McCarthy and Denis McCarthy. The company began in a room behind Denis’ house in Union Hall. The founders used two small stills they had bought from a Swiss spirits producer. In 2014, the distillery moved to Skibbereen in County Cork.

For its Cask Finish range, West Cork combines triple distillation with two-stage cask maturation. An initial period in first-fill bourbon casks is followed by further maturation in casks with different previous contents. For the Calvados expression, Garnier supplies this second cask influence. Bourbon cask maturation thus provides a shared foundation, while the choice of finishing casks gives each bottling its own aroma and flavour profile.

Facts: