Exciting new Polaris whiskey finished in Cabernet ice wine casks
Two Stacks Irish Whiskey in Northern Ireland has launched an innovative first cask single malt Irish whiskey finished in red ice wine casks, the first in its new Polaris Collection.
The exciting new release is a limited edition of just 318 bottles, all hand labelled, wax dipped, stamped, and presented in an embroidered cotton Two Stacks bottle bag.
Based in Newry, county Down, Two Stacks has chosen the Polaris, the North Star, identity because the collection will reflect the characteristics of the star in Ursa Minor constellation of reliability and a symbol of guidance and direction.
The company, a specialist in blending and bonding, recently won a World Whiskies Award for the World’s Best Single Grain Whiskey for its 12-Years and Under
Time Well Spent release.
Shane McCarthy, managing director of Two Stacks, explains: “Polaris reliability is a potent symbol and metaphor. Thus, here at Two Stacks, the North Star in our logo symbolizes steadfastness, to always bring quality, adventure, and trust, that every time you pick up one of our whiskeys, you won’t be lost.”
The North Star had been “a symbol of guidance and direction, helping ancient explorers to modern-day astronomers, a reminder that as the Earth spins and seasons change, a constant anchor that can be found in the night sky”.
The new Cabernet Franc Ice Wine, the first under the Polaris Collection, Shane says, is “the start of our journey in exploring the wonderful world of taste and flavour”.
“We begin our adventure with a nine-year old single malt aged in a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel before a final six-month finish in an ex-Cabernet Franc Ice Wine cask from the Niagara region of Canada,” he continues. “Having access to older single malt whiskey is a privilege these days considering the demand across the industry, not to mention its availability outside the big producers. So, when we have quality malt such as this Cooley distillate, we need to find something unique and exciting for its finish.”
The opportunity arose for Two Stacks to purchase red ice wine casks from a very reputable producer in Ontario. “It was too good to pass up,” continues Donal McLynn, another director at Two Stacks which recently completed a new bonded warehouse in Newry.
“We knew how stunning the results would be for a whiskey expression that we may not have the opportunity to do again,” he adds.
Presented at cask strength, the unique bottling of red ice wine finished single malt is the first in the Irish whiskey space, the sweet wine cask imparting rich cherry, plum and strawberry flavours bonds beautifully with the soft texture of the Cooley single malt. Each bottle is individually hand labelled, the cork carefully wax dipped and stamped using the custom Polaris logo to show its authenticity.
“We are very excited to showcase the new Polaris project. We wanted to release something different for our followers particularly in Ireland. That is why we are selling this beautiful whiskey exclusively through our own website. It brings something that bit more personal and intimate by creating an almost family like spirit to the release,” he adds.
Limited to 318 bottles and due for release next week, the new whiskey is priced at £74.95 plus delivery charge.
