Two Stacks Irish Whiskey has unveiled Smoke & Mirrors, their first peated single malt. The new offering follows the brand’s 2020 releases, Blenders Cut and First Cut.
Distilled and aged at Great Northern Distillery before being hand bottled at Killowen Distiller in County Down, Two Stacks Smoke & Mirrors is the result of a multi-year collaboration with artisan Irish producers – bringing together the experience and expertise of Ireland’s top brewers & distillers into one Whiskey. It is 10% double malt, 30% peated malt, and 60% stout malt. Stout malt is malt whiskey (double or triple distilled) that has been finished in ex Imperial beer stout casks from some of Ireland’s leading craft breweries.
‘’Smoke & Mirrors is both innovative in its crafting and age-old in its ingredients, providing a unique back-to-the-future premium spirt for discerning Irish whiskey lovers,” says Donal McLynn, Co-Founder of Two Stacks. “The history in the use of peat in Ireland for malting purposes is foggy and can lead to inaccuracies. There is certainly strong evidence to support the claim that peat was used in the malting of barley in Ireland in the early 1800’s, particularly in the north of the country where the love of Single Malt was strongest. The south too enjoyed the benefits of peat but things become even more foggy once mix mash bills are mentioned. Whatever the case, its popularity began to wane. The expansion of transport networks and importation of cheap coal brought about the decline in the use of peat before it all but vanished in the distilling industry. Now, we are seeing a mini revival with a number of independent brands recently releasing peated expressions and for good reason: its complex sweet undertones have an ability to bind flavours together harmoniously breathing life into your glass.”
On the nose, the Irish Whiskey delivers aromas of honeydew, sweet barely, rhubarb, and peach skin all layered in sticky toffee, and encased in subtle peat notes. The palate offers a soft yet intense mouthfeel with an almost honey like sweetness from the peat but not overpowering, white fruit richness lunges from the depths. The finish features white chocolate, peppered clove, almond with a lingering touch of spice.
Bottled at 48% ABV, Smoke & Mirrors will be officially released on February 26 and priced at €50 ($61 USD). It will be available on Irish Whiskies DE in Germany and in Ireland at The Celtic Whiskey Shop, Irishmalts and premium independent Irish off licences through Anzac Wine & Spirits.