Red-Headed Poet of Irish Whiskey: Writer’s Tears
The wonderful Writer’s Tears brand has become a staple on our shelves by blending Irish Single Malt and Single Pot Whiskies. The distinction is the use of un-malted barley in the mash for the Single Pot, where as the Single Malts use exclusively 100% malted Barley. The Walsh Whiskey Company was revolutionary by building the first distillery to manually produce all three styles of Irish whiskey (grain being the third) under one roof. Rosemary and Bernard Walsh have since divested of the distillery they built but kept the wonderful brands they’ve created and continue to produce exceptional and affordable Irish whiskey for the a modern palate.
Writers' Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey (750ml) $44.99 The elusive Writer's Tears Pot Still Irish Whiskey has been a darling of the whiskey cognoscenti for years. Now part of the mainstream of great and affordable Irish offerings, its an unusual product from the Walsh Distillery in Carlow and has gained notoriety across the globe as one of the finest whiskies the Emerald Isle has to offer. It begins with single malt (likely distilled at Cooley Distillery in Louth) and single pot still whiskey (distilled at Midleton in County Cork), which are vatted together and aged in ex-bourbon casks. A true re-creation of a style of Irish whiskey not seen since the last century and named for the great Irish writers and playwrights of the 19th century who would have sought inspiration from a similar beverage in their time. The full-flavored, pure pot still whiskey and sweet floral single malt work magic together to create one of the most drinkable yet exciting whiskies of any kind. Lauded worldwide as one of the best whiskies available, it has been conspicuously unavailable in California until now. Winner of Gold Medals from the World Whiskies Award and listed on Ian Buxton's 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die, and 93 points from Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible, Writer's Tears is easily one of the highest-ranking Irish whiskeys available at any price point.
Writers' Tears "Red Head" Triple Distilled Single Malt Irish Whiskey (750ml) This interesting option from the Walsh Distillery in Carlow is one of the few 100% Irish single malts aged entirely in the highest quality sherry casks available. Many others are finished in various types of sherry, but a choice few see the entirety of the maturation in the most expensive and renowned casks. The deep dense nutty wine that gives these casks their distinctive character also lends to the whiskey its subtle auburn hue, thus giving rise the the name— Red Head. Bottled without chill filtration at 92 proof, expect a nose of rich dried fruit, Seville orange peel, and candied plums. Flavors of rich nutty sherry, baking spice, and raisins continue through the palate onto a long flourishing finish of orange blossom and sweet roast nuts. This gold medal award-winning Irish whiskey is a great crossover for Scotch malt drinkers who love Macallan or Glendronach, or for Irish drinkers seeking further depth of flavor.