The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. has announced the exclusive, 333 bottle launch of The Devil’s Keep, a triple distilled, 29-year-old single malt.
The Devil’s Keep broke records for the most expensive inaugural whiskey release ever when it auctioned at almost £46,000 in November 2020. Aged in 200-litre ‘first fill’ American oak casks, previously holding bourbon results in a profile of caramel and smoky oak leaves only achieved with years of maturation. The alchemy of fresh Irish water and finest barley is then finished in a rare French oak barrel, found in a Portuguese bodega, that contained Tawny Port.
County Antrim, a stone’s throw from the Giant’s Causeway, is the home of The Devil’s Keep. Individually, the freshest Irish water is added before maturation to avoid dilution and to ensure the unique flavours remain. What is known as the ‘angel’s share’ is taken in evaporation which leaves, according to legend, the Devil’s share, giving the Whisky its name. The cask strength is then left at 48.5% ABV.
Jay Bradley, founder of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., said: “We’re thrilled to be celebrating Ireland’s whiskey resurgence by launching The Devil’s Keep, which has been a crusade sparing no expense to source the finest ingredients, and the most sublime flavours. It truly is the culmination of our devotion, passion and craft.
“For many years Scotland has dominated whiskey through the sheer breadth and depth of its offering. They’ve offered everything from lower-shelf, mass produced blends to mid-shelf, high quality household names, as well as top shelf brands. Yet, there has always been a gap in the market for ultra-luxury whiskeys. Born from a conversation with my late father, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. has a single mission: to create the finest whiskeys Ireland has ever made and to redefine global perceptions of luxury, while building a legacy.”
There has been a decline in the popularity of Irish whiskey over time, however it is now seen to be clawing back past glories and coming to the forefront once again. The Devil’s Keep remembers the age-old secrets of Ireland’s whiskey masters re-invented with the unveiling of the oldest ever released triple distilled Irish whiskey.
The bottle has been designed by Tiago Russo and is accompanied by a well-presented glass carafe of water from the region it was created. A specially designed glass has also been created which it should be drunk from to enhance the nose and amplify the flavours. The case also includes whiskey stones made from obsidian to avoid further dilution with ice as well as an atomiser containing the ‘angel’s share’, captured by expert perfumer Sarah McCartney.
Next year, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. are planning a very special second launch. This is set to be a seven-piece collection in which all pieces are unique. ‘The Emerald Isle Collection’ will be in partnership with Fabergé combining the strong heritage of both brands in a series of collectable special-edition bottles.
