Roe & Co launches inaugural distillery single malt whiskey
Roe & Co Irish Whiskey announced the launch of its latest expression, Roe & Co Solera Single Malt Irish Whiskey. A vibrant, permanent addition to the Roe & Co family, that uses the solera method, which incorporates fractional finishing of whiskey across a range of ages and cask types, including the first ever casks produced at the Roe & Co Distillery.
Roe & Co Solera Single Malt Irish Whiskey is produced using a fractional finishing process, where the whiskey is finished in one layer (criadera) of the solera system before a portion of it is cascaded through to the next layer. Each layer uses a different cask type to create an ever-evolving flavour profile over time. At the end of the process, a portion of the lower layers (criaderas) are bottled to create the final whiskey expression. The only constant in the system is that whatever volume has been removed from each criadera must be replenished with liquid cascaded down from the layer above it, whilst refilling the top layer with new whiskey once the ‘topping up’ process is complete. As the solera process is a constant filling and refilling, the process offers a continuous evolution of the flavour profile, with remnants of the first ever distillery distilled cask, remaining ever-present in future releases.
A first for the brand, and a process rarely used in the Irish Whiskey industry, Roe & Co Solera Single Malt Irish Whiskey re-imagines the possibilities of flavour using four criaderas of hand selected casks. This specific finishing process is comprised of both refill and first fill American Oak ex Bourbon barrels, newly Alligator charred American oak barrels, Chestnut barrels with two custom toasting profiles to access a full 360-degree profile of the wood from spicy and sweet to nutty and tannic, and four different types of Sherry casks.
Speaking about the launch, head distiller Lora Hemy, said, “With this expression we’re looking at how we layer complex depths of flavour and texture in new and interesting ways. It is exciting to take a different approach and gather inspiration directly from the world of mixed drinks, with a process forward approach to whiskey. This release showcases the balance between the distillery impact on spirit character and the impact of wood, with a process that allows both to shine.”
The non-chill filtered Roe & Co Solera Single Malt first edition is bottled at 46% ABV, it will be available in key outlets nationwide, and via the Roe & Co Distillery for €85 from February 2024. The product will be available in Dublin Airport from March 2024 with additional markets to follow as more whiskey becomes available. For more information, visit www.roeandcowhiskey.com
Located in the heart of Dublin’s distillery district in Dublin 8, the Roe & Co Distillery, which opened in 2019, was recently awarded, for the second year running, the Visitor Attraction of the Year – The Powerhouse Bar, at the Bar of the Year Awards 2023.
