Knappogue Castle Irish Whiskey has announced the launch of the second iteration in their new Cask Finish Series, this being a 12 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey finished in Marco De Bartoli Marsala Casks from the region of Samperi in Sicily on Italy’s western-coast. With only 1,020 bottles set for production, the new limited release is expected to hit shelves in the US in April, and will be available in select markets for a suggested retail price of $80.
Knappogue Castle’s Marsala Cask limited release is made exclusively from malted barley, and distilled in copper pot stills, the whiskey is non-chill filtered and bottled at 92 proof. It is matured in ex-bourbon barrels for a minimum of 12 years, then further aged in casks from the renowned Marco De Bartoli winery. This Italian winery combines indigenous grapes, grown on land rich in limestone and minerals, with years of winemaking experience to create traditional wines that have been revered for decades.
The Cask Finish Series is the latest in Knappogue Castle’s history of specialty, limited edition releases. Last year the brand unveiled Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey finished in French oak casks from renowned Bordeaux winery, Château Pichon Baron.
Mark Andrews, Chairman of Castle Brands Inc. stated “We’re thrilled to present a second addition to our new Knappogue Cask Finish series with the unveiling of the Marsala Cask release. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with the Marco De Bartoli winery, another one of the world’s most revered vineyards, and we look forward to presenting even more cask finish expressions in the near future”. Upcoming limited release plans include a second Italian finish with Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey aged in Barolo wine casks, slated to launch in Summer 2019.