Boann Distillery Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey: Madeira, Marsala and P.X. Casks

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending an event hosted by Boann Distillery, where I had the opportunity to spend an evening with their distiller, Gary Ring. Gary proved to be an excellent speaker, captivating the audience with his knowledge and passion not only about Boann but Irish whiskey in general. The purpose of the event was to celebrate the official launch of Boann Distillery’s new core range in the US.

Boann Distillery is a family-owned company founded in 2019 by Patrick and Marie Cooney. Located in County Louth, Ireland, the distillery is also responsible for Producing The Whistler Irish Whiskey.

During the event, we sampled Boanna new core range, which included whiskies aged in Madeira, Marsala, and P.X. casks. Additionally, we were treated to two delightful cocktails crafted using their whiskies. One of the cocktails was an Earl Grey Whiskey Sour featuring their Madeira Cask whiskey, while the other was a Boann Sazerac made with their Marsala Cask whiskey. Both cocktails were phenomenal.

One of the concerns when attending such events is the possibility of not enjoying the whiskies presented. However, I am delighted to share that these whiskies exceeded my expectations and did not disappoint. I want to make it clear that this is not a sponsored post. I firmly believe that their flavor profiles bring a unique and refreshing twist to Irish whiskies. I am excited to see what they release next and it’s a brand I plan to add to my shelf.

Now, let’s explore the Boann Irish Whiskey in more detail. The whiskies within their range share the same recipe, with the key distinction lying in the cask used for maturation. The mash bill is composed of locally sourced Irish grains, including malted barley, unmalted barley, oats and rye.


Madeira Cask: Matured in American oak Bourbon barrels and Madeira Casks

Nose: sweetness, banana, vanilla and spices

Palate: vanilla, fruit, herbs and lightly peppered

Finish: smooth, fresh and lightly spiced

Cost: $60-$75 ABV: 47%

Notes: Among the sections, this whiskey stood out as my personal favorite. It’s smooth, has a refreshing character, with a well-balanced combination of spices and subtle sweetness. The maturation of the Madeira cask contributes to the harmonious interplay between the herbal notes, spices and a delicate touch of sweetness.


Marsala Cask: Matured in American oak Bourbon barrels and Marsala Casks

Nose: spices, tamarind, honey and floral notes

Palate: vanilla, oak, figs and dates

Finish: baking spices and caramel

Cost: $70-$75 ABV: 47%

Notes: This one offered a unique combination of a slight bite and a chewy texture. The bite was present but not overpowering, adding a pleasant element to the overall taste. Compared to the Madeira expression, this whiskey had a slightly heavier profile yet remained incredibly enjoyable. It showcased a beautiful balance of sweet notes and warming spices.


P.X. Cask: Matured in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Solera casks from Spain

Nose: wood, caramel and raisins

Palate: savory, pepper, light honey and dark chocolate

Finish: earthy, fruity and lightly caramel notes

Cost: $70-$75 ABV: 47%

Notes: Another great one, offering a richer profile compared to the other two expressions. It exhibits a greater level of complexity, with a notable emphasis on savory notes rather than sweetness. The depth and intricacy made for a unique tasting experience.


While the Madeira expression stood out as my personal favorite due to its lightness and crispness, I must say that all three were truly exceptional and exceeded my expectations. There is an undeniable uniqueness to these whiskies, as the combination of the Irish mash bill with the influence of the wine casks elevates the whiskey to a whole new level. It challenges any preconceived notions one might have about the taste of Irish whiskey. Whether you are a fan of Irish whiskey or simply a whiskey enthusiasts, I would recommend giving these a try. They are fantastic and to me, worth the experience.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.

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