Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey is a rare style in Ireland: a peated single malt that combines the trademark smoothness of Irish whiskey with a distinctive yet beautifully balanced smoke. Named after the wild, rugged region of Connemara on Ireland’s west coast, it pays homage to the old Irish tradition of drying malted barley over peat fires.
The whiskey is produced by Cooley Distillery / Kilbeggan Distilling Company in County Louth. Founded in the late 1980s as an independent distillery, Cooley set out to revive historic Irish whiskey styles that had almost disappeared – one of them being peated Irish whiskey. With Connemara, they reintroduced smoke to the Irish category and proved that peat is not the exclusive domain of Scottish whisky.
Connemara is made from 100% malted barley dried over peat fires and is double distilled in traditional copper pot stills, rather than the triple distillation often associated with Ireland. Maturation takes place mainly in ex-bourbon casks, which contribute sweetness, vanilla and gentle oak that knit seamlessly together with the smoky character.
Nose
The aroma is inviting and layered: earthy peat smoke, glowing embers and a hint of charred grass, wrapped in honey, vanilla, fresh hay and orchard fruits like pear and apple. Beneath the smoke lies a clear malty sweetness with touches of citrus, floral notes and soft spice.
Palate
On the palate it is smooth, rounded and full of flavour. A wave of sweet malt, honey and vanilla is followed by toasted oak, cereal notes, a touch of caramel and juicy fruit – green apples, pears and a suggestion of lemon or orange zest. The smoke is dry and clean, more like campfire and warm peat than medicinal iodine – prominent enough to satisfy peat lovers, yet never harsh. Subtle biscuit, toffee, a hint of cocoa and gentle peppery spice add extra depth.
Finish
The finish is long, warming and gently peaty, with lingering smoke, honey, vanilla, oak and a slightly dry, spicy tail that invites another sip.
Connemara is best enjoyed neat in a tulip-shaped glass, with a drop of water if you want to open up the fruity and floral layers. It is an excellent choice for peat fans looking to explore the softer, fruitier side of Irish whiskey – and for curious drinkers taking their first step into smoky whiskies without being overwhelmed by intense, medicinal peat.
