McAllister Irish Spirits has launched their Family Bond series of hand-selected releases, Clan Colla Irish Whiskey and Xin Gin. The launch of the brand’s first products comes as construction on a new whiskey and gin distillery in the village of Ahascragh, County Galway, gets under way.
McAllister Irish Spirits bottled the Family Bond series includes Clan Colla 19 Year Old Single Malt, the 11 Year Old Blend, and Xin Gin. The special releases are partly matured, finished, and blended by McAllister Irish Spirits and bottled in the village, explained Founder Gareth McAllister.
“For our first release, we wanted to launch a premium Irish whiskey from our aged sourced stock,” McAllister. “We hand selected some fantastic casks and finished them with different wood and seasoned casks. The legacy of ‘Clan Colla’ can now continue with this exceptional golden liquid.”
The McAllister name can be traced back to Irish whiskey making in the 1800s. McAllister’s Clan Colla whiskey, it is said, was known across the country. However, at the turn of the century, the fall of Irish whiskey took Clan Colla with it.
The name of the whiskey comes from Irish legends of The Three Collas, Colla Uais, Colla Fo Chrí and Colla Menn, who were three brothers who conquered and ruled over most of Ireland. From The Three Collas descended the noble families of Ireland and Scotland, the “Clan Colla” as it’s known.
The newly released Clan Colla 19 Year Old Single Malt was distilled in 2001 and spent 19 years in first fill American White Oak Bourbon Casks, before being finished in Spanish Oloroso Butts from Jerez, Spain. On the nose, it offers a toasted maltiness with citrus hints. The palate delivers creamy smooth caramel, dried fruit, nuttiness, vanilla, and chocolate orange. The finish is long and sophisticated with a final release of the full bodied flavors. It is priced at €200.
The Clan Colla 11 Year Old Blend has been double distilled, blended with grain, triple casked in ex-bourbon barrels, Oloroso Sherry Butts and peated casks, and aged for 11 years. On the nose, the whiskey offers an earthy aroma with hints of toasted oak. The palate features a rich honey sweetness combined with salted citrus and sherry notes. The finish is deep and rounded with a wisp of peat smoke. It is priced at €80.
Xin Gin, meanwhile, tells a story of the couple’s two homes, Asia and Ireland. “The color red symbolises good luck and joy. The celtic swirls are a nod to our Irish heritage while the hearts represent our love for Asia,” says Michelle McAllister. “The recipe is based on my passion for cooking using both Asian and Irish ingredients. Persimmon fruit adds a sweet honey flavor and cinnamon, a touch of spice.” It is priced at €50.
For more information, head over to McAllister’s official website.
