Connemara Peated

Profile: The Connemara Peated at a glance

• Gold Outstanding Winner at the IWSC 2019
• Gold Medal Winner at the World Whisky Awards 2014
• Gold Medal Winner at The Irish Whisky Masters 2014
• Irish Outsider: Unusually peated for an Irish whiskey
• Young Distillery: Cooley has been bringing a breath of fresh air since 1987
• Distinctive Style: Irish lightness meets peaty rebellion

Portrait: What makes the Connemara Peated special

The Irish Single Malt Whiskey Connemara Peated is something like The unconventional cousin at the family gathering: charming, eccentric, and guaranteed not to be boring. While many Irish whiskeys lean towards gentle tradition, Connemara comes across with a wink and says: "Why not try something different?"
This spirit is produced at the relatively young Cooley distillery in the wild west of Ireland. "Young" is, of course, a relative term here – it was founded in 1987, which in the world of whiskey seems like just yesterday. But it's precisely this fresh perspective that ensures Cooley doesn't feel too bound by old rules. Instead, they experiment, try things out, and occasionally go against the grain. Connemara itself is a good example of this. Named after the rugged, windswept region in western Ireland, it brings a piece of that landscape with it – at least metaphorically. It evokes images of green hills, dramatic coastlines, and people who face the weather with stoic composure.
A whiskey with character, then, that doesn't conform, but rather appears as if it has just taken a walk through moorland and rain. Particularly striking: For an Irish whiskey, Connemara is a true rarity.
While most of his compatriots take a more traditional approach, here they use barley that has been malted over peat fires. A process more commonly associated with other regions – Cooley thought: Why not simply rewrite the rules? Thus, a whiskey was created that respects tradition but isn't afraid to playfully poke fun at it.
Connemara is therefore not just a drink, but also a small statement: Sometimes it's worth doing things differently – especially when so much personality emerges.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Connemara Peated tastes like

• Nose: On the nose, a distinctive hint of peat smoke is immediately apparent, accompanied by spicy heather, reminiscent of a fresh breeze from the Irish countryside. A delicate, slightly sweet honey note gradually unfolds behind this, lending the whole a pleasant balance. Subtle oak aromas round off the bouquet and provide a warm, slightly dry depth.

• Palate: On the palate, the whiskey is full-bodied and surprisingly smooth. Malty notes form the foundation and are accompanied by a harmonious combination of peat smoke and honey sweetness. The barley contributes a natural, slightly grainy structure, while hints of old leather in the background add further complexity and character.
• Finish: The finish is long and pleasantly present. Peat smoke, honey, and oak remain clearly perceptible and fade only slowly. A lovely, even warmth develops, lingering long after the last sip.