
Clonakilty Port Cask Finish Single Batch Irish Whiskey
Clonakilty · Clonakilty Distillery
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.
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.
- Distillation
- Triple distilled (malt component), column distilled (grain component)
- Maturation
- Bourbon casks, finished in port pipes
- Single Pot Still
- No
- Chill-Filtered
- Chill filtered
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
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.
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