First Impressions
Connemara Peated — Ireland's only modern peated single malt, and a genuinely rare style. Created by Cooley Distillery on the Cooley Peninsula, County Louth, founded in 1987 by John Teeling to break Irish Distillers' monopoly over Irish whiskey production. Launched in 1999.
The Rebel Distillery
Double-distilled (unusual for Irish, which typically triple-distils) and peated at 14-15ppm — moderate compared to Islay's 30-40ppm. Barley dried over Connemara bog peat. Now produced at Kilbeggan under Suntory Global Spirits (Beam acquired Cooley in 2011). Eight Gold medals since 1996 including 'Best of Irish' at San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2004.
Tasting
Gentle peat smoke nose with heather and honey. Honey sweetness leads the palate with fresh peat emerging mid-palate. The finish is long with golden honey and spreading peat smoke. The double distillation creates cleaner smoke than Scotch, though the 40% ABV limits the impact.
The Verdict
Connemara earns a 7 — a unique Irish whiskey that proves peat and Ireland belong together. At £30, excellent value for something this distinctive. The main criticism is fair: at 43-46% this would be significantly better. But as Ireland's only peated single malt, it fills a niche nothing else occupies.
