Athru Annacoona 14 YO

Athru Annacoona 14 YO

Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso Shery cask ensure a layered and complex whiskey from Lough Gill Distillery. These uniquely numbered bottles have been overseen by Billy Walker, World Distiller of the year 2015.

The Creation Trilogy

Athru Annacoona is one member of a trio of single malt releases from Lough Gill Distillery in Co Sligo, Ireland. Known as the Creation Trilogy, the three releases are named Athru Annacoona, Athru Keshcorran and Athru Knocknarea.

Each of the bottles is a 14-year-old single malt matured in bourbon American oak casks for 11 years and then finished in another cask type for three years. In the case of Annacoona, the finishing cask was a combination of Pedro Ximinez and Oloroso sherry casks.

Myths and legends

The Lough Gill distillery team set out to create a whiskey that would match the old Irish myth that it is based on. Each release in the creation trilogy tells the tale of an Irish myth or legend from the Sligo area.

Annacoona refers to a cave high on Ben Bulben mountain that shelters Lough Gill and where it is said that the Irish mythical heroes Grainne and Diarmuid hid from those pursuing them.

They chose the finest Pedro Ximenez and oloroso sherry casks under the tutelage of master distiller and blender Billy Walker who oversaw the entire process.

Tasting notes

On the nose you will find strong chocolate aromas interlaced with jammy cherry notes and lots of forest fruits. It’s a complex aroma that comes from the two sherry casks in this single malt whiskey expression.

The rich dark forest fruits continue on the palate with distinct orange oil elements alongside salted caramel and melted dark chocolate. Fans herald the autumnal aromas in this exceptional single malt that allows Athru Annacoona 14 year old to stand strong within its family of whiskies.

The finish is spicy and carries lots of influence from the American oak casks as well as candied peels, more dark chocolate and dried fruits to further enhance this single malt Irish whiskey. The orange oil and salted caramel notes come through on the finish also.

Lough Gill distillery

The Creation series was the first release from Lough Gill, a young distillery on the shores of this famous lake in Co Sligo. The entire operation, including the manor house that sits beside the distillery, was bought by Sazerac in recent years, elevating the brand to new heights internationally. The distillery sits on over 100 acres at Hazlewood Demesne.

ABV

Bottled at 48%, this Irish single malt is triple distilled and best enjoyed neat.