When it comes to Irish whiskey, the Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey is definitely a standout. Produced by The Sexton Distillery, this whiskey has quickly gained a reputation for its unique taste and sleek design. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey so special.
History
The Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey was first released in 2017, making it a relatively new addition to the world of Irish whiskey. However, the Sexton Distillery itself has a much longer history. Located in the heart of County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the distillery has been producing whiskey for over 200 years.
In 2015, the Sexton Distillery was acquired by Proximo Spirits, a company with a portfolio that includes other well-known brands like Jose Cuervo tequila and Bushmills Irish whiskey. With the backing of Proximo Spirits, the Sexton Distillery was able to launch its own unique brand of whiskey – the Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey.
Production
The Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey is made from 100% Irish malted barley. The barley is harvested in late summer and early autumn, and then malted, meaning it is soaked in water until it begins to sprout. Once the barley has sprouted, it is dried in kilns, which stops the germination process and creates a distinctive flavor.
The dried malted barley is then mashed with water to release the natural sugars, creating what is called a wort. This wort is then fermented with yeast, which turns the sugars into alcohol. The resulting liquid, called wash, is then distilled three times in traditional copper pot stills. This process is what gives the Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey its unique flavor and aroma.
After the distillation process, the whiskey is matured in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. These casks are made from oak and have been previously used to mature sherry. The casks give the whiskey its distinct amber color and add notes of dried fruit, nuts, and spices to the flavor profile.
Tasting Notes
The Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey is known for its smooth and rich flavor. On the nose, you’ll notice a distinct aroma of toasted oak, vanilla, and butterscotch. These flavors carry through to the palate, along with notes of dried fruit, spice, and a hint of smoke.
The whiskey has a medium body and a long finish, with a subtle sweetness that lingers on the tongue. The sherry cask aging adds complexity and depth to the flavor profile, making the Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey a great choice for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Packaging
In addition to its unique flavor, the Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey is also known for its distinctive packaging. The bottle itself is tall and sleek, with a black and gold label that features a simple, yet striking design. The label is adorned with an image of a key, which is meant to represent the keys that were traditionally given to the sexton of a church – a nod to the distillery’s location in the heart of Northern Ireland.
The bottle is topped with a black cork, which adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. The overall design is modern and stylish, making the Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey a great addition to any bar or liquor cabinet.
When it comes to price, the Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey is typically priced at the higher end of the Irish whiskey spectrum. A 750ml bottle usually ranges from $45 to $60 USD, depending on the location and retailer. While this may be considered a bit pricey for some whiskey drinkers, the Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey is generally considered to be worth the investment.
In addition to the standard variety, the Sexton Distillery has also released a few special edition versions of their Irish Single Malt Whiskey. These limited edition bottlings have different flavor profiles and packaging designs, making them a collector’s item for whiskey enthusiasts.
One example is the Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey – Black Edition, which is aged for an extra year and has a more intense flavor profile with notes of dark chocolate and espresso. The bottle features a black and gold label with a sleek design that differs from the standard variety.
Another limited edition release is the Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey – Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish, which is aged in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. This imparts a sweeter flavor profile with notes of honey and caramel. The bottle features a beautiful copper and gold label with a design that highlights the sherry cask aging process.
Overall, the Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey is a unique and premium whiskey that offers a rich and complex flavor profile. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey drinker or just getting started, the Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey is definitely worth trying. And for those who are looking for a special edition or limited release bottle, keep an eye out for the Sexton Distillery’s occasional special releases.
Conclusion
Overall, the Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey is a unique and flavorful addition to the world of Irish whiskey. Its use of sherry casks adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, while its sleek design makes it a standout on any liquor shelf.
