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Knappogue Castle Single Malt Irish Whiskey has announced the launch of the third iteration in their new Cask Finish Series, their classic 12 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey finished in Marchesi di Barolo casks from the village of Barolo in Piedmont, in the heart of the beautiful Langhe Hills. With only 1,200 bottles set for production, the new limited release is expected to hit shelves in the US in August, and will be available in select markets for a suggested retail price of $80.
Knappogue Castle’s Marchesi di Barolo 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 bourbon barrels for a minimum of 12 years, then further aged in casks from the Marchesi di Barolo winery, which is located in an area protected by the Alps to the North, West and South. Due to this, it is characterized by an environment of great biodiversity and a climate exceptionally favorable for viticulture. The cool conditions and well-defined seasons in Barolo mean that grapes grown here can bring out particularly fine and intense aromas. The nose of the new whiskey is fruity with aromas of strawberries, cinnamon buns, banana fritters and caramel toffees. On the palate, expect a great mix of spice and fruit characters, red apples, berry fruit and red cherries. Hints of peppery oak lead to a spicy finish.
The Cask Finish Series is the third iteration in Knappogue Castle’s history of coveted, specialty, limited edition releases. Last year the brand unveiled Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey finished in French oak casks from the renowned Bordeaux winery, Château Pichon Baron followed by the Marco De Bartoli Marsala cask finish, which was released this spring.
Speaking of the new addition, Mark Andrews, Chairman of Castle Brands Inc. stated “There couldn’t be a more exciting time to release the latest installment of our Cask Finish series. The Irish whiskey category is continuing to boom thanks to young consumers seeking new and innovative premium products and we look forward to presenting the Barolo cask, a very special whiskey. Given the tremendous feedback from the first two installments of our Cask Finish Series, we know Knappogue fans and whiskey enthusiasts alike will be very pleased with this release too. We have felt privileged and honored to partner with the Abonna family, whose Barolo wine casks bring a beautiful mix of spice and fruit notes to our award-winning 12 year old whiskey.”
