Warm Up with Kellan Irish Whiskey

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Nov 11th 2010 at 4:03PM

In cooler weather we often turn to whiskey and brandy to help keep us warm. Kellan Irish Whiskey is a relatively new and delectable addition to the U.S. market, so far only available in a handful of states but rapidly gaining ground.

Kellan is a unique blend of malt and grain Irish whiskey, double distilled and aged over four years in American oak barrels previously used to mature bourbon, a common practice with Scotch whisky but relatively rare with Irish blends, which can lack fullness as a result.

The double distillation method helps maintain the natural flavor of Kellan's raw ingredients, while the bourbon barrels help impart a rich character resulting a full-bodied Irish blended whiskey that has a smooth malty and sweet start, with a perfect balance ending in a tingle of honey citrus fruit.

Kellan is produced at the Cooley Distillery, one of the only three distilleries in Ireland, and the only independent distillery in the country. Cooley was recently honored with the prestigious title of World and European Distiller of the Year at the 2008 International Wine and Spirits Competition Awards.

Tags: brandy, Cooley Distillery, distillery, Ireland, Irish whiskey, Kellan Irish Whiskey, UK, whiskey, whisky