Tired of the same old, same old? On terra australis, JQWS is your golden ticket to a global whisk(e)y adventure. They’ve scoured the planet for the finest spirits, from the smoky allure of Scotland to the enigmatic elegance of Japan. Think of them as your personal whiskey sommelier, curating a collection that's as diverse as your taste buds. We're talking triple-distilled treasures from Glasgow, sherry-soaked delights from Spain, and the mysterious magic of Mizunara oak, which we have previously covered by shedding light on the beauty that is the peated Shinobu Whisky expression.
We recently stumbled upon a hidden gem through the magic of JQWS: Micil Irish Whiskey. It's like discovering a pot of gold at the end of a whiskey rainbow.
Micil Irish Whiskey is like that kid who moved away, came back with a killer tan, and suddenly knows how to mix a mean cocktail. After a century-long hiatus, Galway's whiskey scene is back with a vengeance, and Micil is leading the charge.
They’re claiming the mantle of Galway’s whiskey revivalists, and with a name like Micil, they’ve got the Irish cred to back it up. This isn’t just any whiskey; it’s a time-traveling potion that whispers tales of Connemara hillsides and illicit stills. Steeped in tradition and soaked in history, each bottle of Micil carries the legacy of six generations of Conneely distillers, dating back to 1848.
It's like a time capsule in a glass, capturing the essence of Ireland's storied past and its vibrant present.
The Long Walk, their flagship blend, is a curious concoction. It’s like a whiskey that’s been on a gap year, exploring the flavors of port wine, bourbon, and virgin oak.
The result?
A complex character that's as intriguing as a good mystery novel. Imagine a sip that starts with the rich sweetness of port, glides through the smooth, caramel notes of bourbon, and finishes with the robust spice of virgin oak. It's an adventure for your palate, a journey through a symphony of flavors that keeps you guessing with every sip.
Some say it’s got the depth of a Tolkien epic, while others find it a bit of a rollercoaster. But one thing’s for sure: it's not your average Irish whiskey. It's the kind of spirit that makes you want to sit by a fire, contemplate life's big questions, and then realize you're just really enjoying the whiskey. Its rich, layered profile is perfect for those moments of introspection or lively conversation, embodying the warmth and camaraderie of a true Irish gathering.
Micil isn't just bringing back whiskey; they're reviving a culture, a heritage, a way of life. Their distillery, nestled in the heart of Galway, is a hub of innovation and tradition, where master distillers blend time-honored techniques with modern flair. The result is a range of whiskeys that are as bold and unique as the people of Galway themselves.
Next up in our JQWS adventure is Glasgow Distillery. These guys are the whiskeyworld's bad boys, shaking up the scene with their rebellious spirit and triple-distilled magic.
Glasgow Distillery: The Wee Rebels of Whisky
Glasgow Distillery: They don’t just make whisky; they’re on a mission to reclaim Glasgow's crown as the spirit capital of Scotland. These folks are the punk rockers of the whisky world, flipping tradition the bird and crafting their own rebellious symphonies. Think of them as the renegade distillers, shaking up the establishment one dram at a time.
They're the kind of people who think triple distilling is a grand idea. While most distilleries settle for two, these mavericks go for the hat trick. They’re like mad scientists, distilling and refining until they’ve created a whisky that’s as smooth as a leather jacket worn in just right. The result? A spirit that doesn’t just whisper sophistication but screams it from the rooftops of Glasgow.
Take their Glasgow 1770 Triple Distilled: It’s like a Glasgow night out in a glass – sweet, spicy, and full of unexpected twists. The nose is a toffee-coated apple, with a hint of aniseed whispering promises of complexity. Picture yourself walking down a cobblestone street lined with sweet shops and spice merchants, every step revealing a new, tantalizing aroma.
On the palate, it's a fruity fiesta, like stumbling upon a secret orchard. Shortbread sweetness dances with spice, a playful tango of flavors that keeps you coming back for more. It’s like biting into a toffee apple, but without the sticky mess. Each sip is an adventure, a lively dance of fruit and spice that’s as unpredictable as a Glasgow weather forecast.
The finish is a warm, vanilla hug, a honeyed, comforting end to a spirited journey. This whisky is the Glasgow of whiskies – confident, friendly, and always up for a good time. It's the kind of dram that invites you to sit down, share stories, and lose track of time in the best possible way with each sip taking you on a tour through Glasgow’s culinary landscape, blending traditional flavors and the city's bold, unyielding character with a modern twist.
Slàinte to the wee rebels – the heart and soul of Glasgow’s whisky renaissance.
---
Words by AW.
Photos courtest of Micil Irish Whiskey and Glasgow Distillery.