Waterford is the latest venture of Mark Reynier, the former CEO of Bruichladdich in Islay. In 2015, Mark purchased a disused, state-of-the-art Guinness brewery near the South Coast of Ireland. There, inspired by his 40 years experience in wine and spirits, he launched a pioneering whisky distillery which would produce limited edition, single malts focused on terroir, transparency and traceability.

Mark brings to single malt whisky the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour as the greatest winemakers. Waterford has a barley-led approach as the conditions under which the barley grows; the terroir, has a profound impact on the quality of the liquid and ultimately defines the flavour of Waterfords whiskies.

All of Waterford’s whiskies are made using 100% malted barley and are natural and non-chill filtered with a slow fermentation and unhurried distillation to extract maximum flavours. The maturation takes place half a kilometre from the sea and uses premium quality French and American casks; a combination of first-fill and new oak barrels.

Ballykilcavan 1.2

Waterford’s Single Farm Origin series continued with the second bottling of Irish single malt whisky made with barley grown by David Walsh-Kemmis on his Ballykilcavan farm in Co. Laois! For the second release, first-fill American oak, premium French oak and vin doux naturel casks were drawn from. This range looks to explore the impact terroir can have on the flavour profile of whisky, and does so by featuring expressions made with barley grown on single farms around Ireland.

Tasting Notes

Nose:Forest floor and earthy spices, balanced by wine sweetness and a hint of dark chocolate.

Palate:Mouth filling oiliness with barley, apricot, runny caramel and a kick of peppercorn.

Finish:Quite long, with crushed cinnamon and another hint of cocoa.