The Still & The VineSchool of Wine & Spirits
Clonakilty Port Cask Finish Single Batch Irish Whiskey
Irish WhiskeyIssue 75

Clonakilty Port Cask Finish Single Batch Irish Whiskey

Clonakilty · Clonakilty Distillery

86 proofNASCounty Cork, Ireland
Clonakilty's coastal Cork location defines its whiskey as much as the port cask finish does — salt air works its way into the maturation, adding a subtle mineral edge. The port influence is restrained and well-integrated, making this an approachable daily pour with enough going on to hold your attention. Good value for what's in the glass.

Kit Aromas

Tasting Notes

Nose

Dried fruit and caramel dominate, with a secondary wave of floral rosewater and cocoa. A light green grassiness adds freshness underneath the sweetness.

Palate

Smooth and medium-bodied, offering vanilla and honey up front, then transitioning to woody spice and a hint of almond nuttiness. The port cask influence shows as a gentle berry sweetness rather than overt wine character.

Finish

Medium length with warm cocoa and lingering dried fruit.

Specifications
Distillation
Triple distilled (malt component), column distilled (grain component)
Maturation
Bourbon casks, finished in port pipes
Single Pot Still
No
Chill-Filtered
Chill filtered
Serve & Pair

Cocktail Suggestion

Cork Sunset — 2 oz Clonakilty Port Cask · 1 oz ruby port · 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice · 0.25 oz simple syrup · Shake with ice, strain into a coupe, garnish with a lemon twist.

Food Pairing

Aged Cashel Blue cheese with fig compote

The Story

Built by the Scully family on their farm overlooking Galley Head in West Cork, Clonakilty ages its whiskey in oceanside warehouses where Atlantic winds accelerate the cask interaction.

Train These Aromas
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