Irish American whiskey is made at the Achill Island Distillery, which is located on Achill Island in Ireland. This distillery holds the distinction of being Ireland's first island-based distillery, making it a unique and special place for the production of whiskey.
Achill Island itself is a stunning location off the west coast of Ireland, known for its rugged beauty and breathtaking landscapes. The distillery takes advantage of the island's natural resources and pristine environment to create their high-quality whiskey.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to visit the Achill Island Distillery and witness firsthand the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into the production of their whiskey. The distillery is situated in a picturesque setting, surrounded by rolling hills and overlooking the majestic Atlantic Ocean.
The process of making Irish American whiskey at the Achill Island Distillery begins with carefully selected grains, including malted barley. These grains are milled and then combined with water to create a mash, which is then fermented using yeast. The fermentation process takes several days and converts the sugars in the mash into alcohol, creating a liquid known as wash.
After fermentation, the wash is distilled in traditional copper pot stills. This distillation process removes impurities and concentrates the alcohol, resulting in a spirit known as new make spirit. The new make spirit is then aged in oak barrels, where it develops its distinct flavors and character over time.
One of the unique aspects of Irish American whiskey production is the triple distillation process. Unlike some other types of whiskey, which may be double distilled, Irish whiskey is typically distilled three times. This extra distillation helps to create a smoother and more refined spirit.
At the Achill Island Distillery, the whiskey is aged in a variety of cask types, including bourbon barrels and sherry casks. The maturation process can take several years, during which time the whiskey absorbs flavors from the wood and undergoes chemical changes that contribute to its complexity and depth of flavor.
Once the whiskey has reached its desired level of maturity, it is carefully blended to create a consistent and balanced flavor profile. This blending process involves combining different barrels of whiskey to achieve the desired taste, ensuring that each bottle of Irish American whiskey from the Achill Island Distillery is of the highest quality.
Irish American whiskey is made at the Achill Island Distillery, located on the beautiful Achill Island in Ireland. The distillery takes advantage of the island's natural resources and stunning surroundings to create their exceptional whiskey. From the careful selection of grains to the triple distillation process and aging in oak barrels, every step of the production process is carried out with precision and craftsmanship. The result is a whiskey that embodies the rich heritage and tradition of Irish whiskey, with a unique American twist.