The hallmark of Irish whiskey is undoubtedly worthy of manifold attention as it is considered to carry a heritage since the mid 15th century, producing a certain rare batch of whiskies that have changed the entire tone of the society just by reshaping the beverage and cruising industry. The 2019 Roe & Co Strength series is a typical expression of it, revealing their authenticity and innovativeness through their different and unique use of casks. Like for instance their latest in the series, the 2021 Edition is a 13-year-old Single Grain whiskey that has exclusively been aged in Alligator Char New Oak casks, revealing a DNA of a blended Irish whiskey. The use of Single Grain for this edition was specifically to highlight the uniqueness of the casks and also to heighten and develop the flavours that already exist in Grain whiskey, deconstructing the actual story of blended whiskey.
The Alligator Char New Oak casks that were especially opted for this edition has been heat-treated to such an extent that the wood resembles the texture and graphic of that similar to the skin of an alligator, hence the name. This charing treatment has been applied to New Oak, drawing all the caramelisation and texture to the surface area, which then goes on to influence the character of the spirit laid in the casks. This results in complexity and depth of flavour, bringing notes of smoky vanilla pods, wood spice and toffee sweetness to the nose. The palate is layered with Jamaican gingerbread and panna cotta, while it finishes with notable hints of white pepper. Roe & Co Cask Strength 2021 is laden with ripe fruits and bananas, calling back to the DNA of the 106 blends.
The Roe & Co Strength series was first launched in 2019 to produce uniqueness and newness in the spirit industry. The team bottled up the core 106-blend for 2019, a blend of rich malt whiskey and smooth grain whiskey aged in bourbon casks. It was a natural fit to release another rare expression of Single Malt whiskey matured in Port casks in 2020. And now this special release ranged Roe & Co and Irish whiskey to the apex of the spirit industry, becoming the backbone to the original Roe & Co 106 blend.
“What makes Cask Strength so interesting is the raw DNA of the whiskey. When you taste this blend, it is as if you’re sampling it straight from the cask. Undiluted, so you can add as much or as little water of your own to find your flavour preference and taste. With the 2021 Cask Strength edition, we’ve chosen to finish this Irish grain in a, particularly interesting and unique cask. The grain is well matured and been specifically chosen to finish in these casks to heighten and develop the flavours that already exist in grain whiskey. We’re excited to be releasing this latest innovation, in the lead up to the festive season.”
Lora Hemy, Head Distiller at Roe & Co Irish Whiskey commented
“When developing Cask Strength 2021, we wanted to shine a light on the true DNA of the original Roe & Co 106 blend with the Single Grain component, allowing us to explore the tasting notes associated with our current inventory. Different malts and grains all bring their own unique flavour characteristics, as such each has their own positives and make up important building blocks to a blend. The carefully selected Single Grain casks we use are picked for their exceptional flavour and style. With this release, we want to highlight and showcase the Grain and the backbone in our 106 blends.”
George Harper, Master Blender for Roe & Co added to it
Roe & Co Cask Strength 2021 has the strength of 58.6% ABV and is served perfectly neat, over ice, or in Roe & Co’s exciting reinvention of a classic Bobby Burns cocktail, joins a line of innovations from the brand since its inception in 2017, including the recently launched Roe & Co Japanese Sugi.
Roe & Co Cask Strength 2021 has been available in the market since 27th October 2021. Earlier this month, the whiskey took home a Gold medal from the DB & SB Autumn Blind Tasting, 2021. Roe & Co Cask Strength 2021 Edition is priced at €74 (US$86.20) per 700ml bottle.
About the Distillery
Roe & Co Distillery is named in honour of George Roe, the veteran world-famous whiskey maker who helped build the golden era of Irish Whiskey in the 19th century. His distillery, George Roe and Co, extended over 17 acres on Thomas Street in Dublin and was once Ireland’s largest distillery. As neighbours for hundreds of years George Roe and Co and Guinness were the two biggest names at the heart of Dublin’s historic brewing and distilling quarter. In June 2019, the doors of the Roe & Co. Distillery and Visitor Experience opened. Located in the heart of the buzzing Liberties district, visitors at Roe & Co are treated to a rich, rewarding, and intimate whiskey experience focusing on cocktails.