News

Published: 21st November 2021

Belfast Whiskey Social is Back

2021 marks the return of one of Ireland’s biggest whiskey festivals, the Belfast Whiskey Social.

Sadly, the festival couldn’t go ahead last year, but we were delighted to hear it was returning this year.

How does it work?

Guests were able to purchase a ticket to attend any of the 3 sessions. Once in, you could simply wander around and browse the dozens of stalls from different brands and distilleries. It is one of the best ways to try some great whiskeys and learn more about their production and history from the many Brand Ambassadors present.

We decided it would be a great chance to showcase one of our newer brands – Method and Madness. We had the core range available as well as some of the newer special editions – Method and Madness Mulberry and Method and Madness Wild Cherry.

TASTING NOTES

Method and Madness Mulberry

NOSE: Caramelised Toffee Apple, Freshly Cut Wood, Toasted Pine Nuts.
TASTE: Sweet Pear, Green Apple, Smoked Paprika.
FINISH: Deep & Mellow, Lingering Fruits, Intense Wood Spice.

 

Method and Madness Wild Cherry Wood

NOSE: Box hedge clippings, coconut fibre and shredded ginger.
TASTE: Fresh green herbs, black tea and pot still spice.
FINISH: Long and fresh, prickly spice and toasted hazelnut.

It was also perfect timing for us as we have just launched the new Jameson Black Barrel Proof – a 50% ABV release of Jameson Black Barrel that we knew many people were eager to try.

 

TASTING NOTES

Jameson Black Barrel Proof

NOSE: Butterscotch sweetness and creamy, toffee, fudge aroma.
TASTE: Rich smooth taste with a deep intensity and dialled up spicy notes, complemented by vanilla sweetness.
FINISH: Smooth and rich finish with a hint of vanilla lingering on the palate.

Of course, we also had to include one of the world’s most loved Irish Whiskeys – Redbreast. We offered guests a taste of Redbreast 12 Year Old and Redbreast Lustau Edition.

TASTING NOTES

Redbreast 12 Year Old

NOSE: A complex spicy and fruity aroma with toasted wood notes evident.
TASTE: Full flavoured and complex; a harmonious balance of spicy, creamy, fruity, sherry and toasted notes. The Christmas cake of Irish whiskey.
FINISH: Satisfyingly long, the complex flavours linger on the palate.

Redbreast Lustau Edition

NOSE: Rich infusion of dark fruits, prunes, dates and figs with liquorice, marzipan, toasted oak and Redbreast spices
TASTE: Creamy pot still with Redbreast spices balanced with richness of sherry finish and contribution of fresh Spanish oak.
FINISH: Endless. Sweetness and pot still spices endure while Oloroso sherry and Spanish oak have the last word.

We also had a few sneaky special bottles under the counter, including some unusual mash bill distillates from the Micro Distillery at Midleton. Were you lucky enough to try any?

Overall, it was a delight to be back in The Waterfront Hall, chatting about whiskey to all of the guests, and catching up with all the other Brand Ambassadors from other distilleries. Hopefully we will be back again next year with some more great whiskey for you to try!

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