Waterford Whisky is made at the Waterford Distillery, which is located in the picturesque town of Waterford in the southern part of Ireland. The distillery was established in 2015 by Mark Reynier, a visionary in the world of whisky who previously worked his magic at Islay Distillery Bruichladdich.
When I first heard about the Waterford Distillery, I was immediately intrigued. Having been a fan of Bruichladdich and the innovative approach they took to whisky production, I was excited to see what Mark Reynier had in store for his new venture.
The distillery itself is housed in a former Guinness Brewery, which adds a touch of history and character to the whisky-making process. I've always believed that the environment in which a spirit is created can have a profound impact on its flavor profile, and the setting of the Waterford Distillery is no exception.
One of the things that sets Waterford Whisky apart is their dedication to terroir-driven whisky production. Just like in the world of wine, terroir refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, and geographical location that gives a spirit its distinct characteristics. Waterford Distillery takes this concept to heart by sourcing barley from various farms across Ireland, each with its own terroir.
I had the opportunity to visit the Waterford Distillery and witness this process firsthand. It was fascinating to see the meticulous care that goes into selecting and processing the barley. The distillery works closely with local farmers, ensuring that only the highest quality barley is used in the production of their whisky.
The barley is then malted on-site, allowing for complete control over the process and ensuring that the flavors and aromas of the grain are fully expressed. The malted barley is then milled and mashed, releasing the sugars that will eventually be fermented and distilled into whisky.
The distillery boasts an impressive array of copper pot stills, which are used for distillation. Copper is known for its ability to remove impurities and contribute to the overall smoothness and complexity of the spirit. It was mesmerizing to watch as the liquid transformed from wash to new make spirit, slowly taking on the flavors and aromas that would define the final product.
Once distilled, the whisky is transferred to carefully selected oak casks for maturation. Waterford Distillery takes a unique approach to cask selection, sourcing barrels from a variety of different wine and spirits producers. This allows for a wide range of flavors to be imparted to the whisky, adding another layer of complexity to the final product.
I had the pleasure of tasting some of the whiskies produced at the Waterford Distillery during my visit. The attention to detail and commitment to quality were evident in every sip. The whiskies were full-bodied and rich, with a depth of flavor that showcased the unique terroir of each batch of barley.
Waterford Whisky is made at the Waterford Distillery in the town of Waterford, Ireland. This distillery, founded by Mark Reynier, takes a terroir-driven approach to whisky production, sourcing barley from various farms across Ireland. The barley is malted, mashed, fermented, and distilled on-site before being matured in carefully selected oak casks. The result is a range of whiskies that are complex, flavorful, and true to their Irish roots.