DONEGAL is getting its first distillery since the 1850s – and the first whiskey will be launched tonight close to Sliabh Liag from where it takes its name.
Sliabh Liag Distillery is a new Irish whiskey company driven by two returning Donegal emigrants.
James Doherty and Margaret Cunningham separately returned from the diaspora and in 2015 joined forces to reclaim the lost distilling heritage of Donegal.
They are going to build the first distillery in Donegal for more than 170 years on the landward slopes of the majestic Sliabh Liag sea cliffs.
All the brands from the distillery will be inspired by local lore and legend, very much rooted in the Donegal Gaeltacht, and tonight in John the Miner’s bar in Carrick they will be introducing their first brand: The Silkie, blended Irish whiskey.
The Silkie seals (sometimes Selkies) of Donegal were legendary shape-shifters who could transform to beautiful sea-maidens with long dark hair, deep soulful brown eyes and enchanting voices that would beguile almost any man.
Inspired by these legends the team sourced an Irish whiskey that is rich in character, yet fresh, with exceptional smoothness and a rounded elegance and now are now proud to be bringing The Silkie to market.
“It is really important to us that everything we do reflects where we come form and is rooted in the stories of the Donegal Gaeltacht. We want to be considered modern Seanachaí, custodians of the traditions of the area, and writing a new and dynamic history” says Cunningham.
“I have always loved the rich folk tales of the area, and believe that the legends of the Silkie seals would allow us to design a confident modern approach to Irish whiskey, and I think we have achieved that with The Silkie” says Doherty who continued “while we are keen to succeed in Ireland and Donegal in particular, we see the major opportunity in overseas markets and will be using our existing contacts to establish The Silkie ahead of our other brands”
Presented in an elegant bottle with labelling that reflects the rich colours of the wild Atlantic around Donegal, it is sealed with a classic cork stopper and carries the signature of Cunningham in her native Irish; a confident reflection of the Gaeltacht in 2016.
The Silkie blended Irish whiskey, has an ABV of 40% and a suggested retail price of Euro 34.99 for a 70 cl bottle.
If you’re in to whiskey, here’s some Tasting Notes:
Colour : Straw gold, hints of amber
Nose: Fresh and malty, brisk like green apples, opens to be more honeyed with a gentle butteryness
Taste: Honey to the fore, bright, hints of orange zest, digestive biscuits, brioche, butterscotch and stem ginger
Finish The finish is warming, elegant and gently melts away.
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